韬 (tāo) - Strategy, tactics & to conceal, hide

韬Tone 1

tāo ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

韬 · tāo

Strategy, tactics;

to conceal, hide;

originally referred to a bow or sword sheath;

by extension means to conceal one's abilities or intentions.

Strategy, tacticsto conceal, hideoriginally referred to a bow or sword sheath

Usage highlights

Military strategyConceal one's light and bide one's timeSix strategiesStrategy and planningConceal one's ambitionsBow case

Synonyms

  • 略— strategy, plan
  • 谋— scheme, stratagem
  • 策— tactic, plan

Antonyms

  • 露— to reveal, expose
  • 显— to show, display

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is well-versed in military strategy (韬略).
  • The general concealed his true intentions (韬光养晦).
  • This book discusses ancient Chinese military tactics (韬略).
  • She keeps a low profile to avoid attention (韬晦).

Collocations

  • Military strategy(韬略)
  • Conceal one's light and bide one's time(韬光养晦)
  • Six strategies(六韬)
  • Strategy and planning(韬略)
  • Conceal one's ambitions(韬晦)
  • Bow case(弓韬)

Idioms

  • Conceal one's light and bide one's time(韬光养晦)
  • Civil and military strategies complete(文韬武略)
  • Six strategies and three stratagems(六韬三略)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originates from ancient military terminology, referring to sheaths for bows and swords.
  • Metaphorically extended to mean concealing one's abilities and waiting for the right moment.
  • Associated with strategic thinking in both military and political contexts.
  • The 'Six Strategies' (六韬) is a famous ancient Chinese military treatise.

FAQ