Guī shī wù yǎn qióngkòu mò zhuī.

歸師勿掩, 窮寇莫追。

Lit [One should] not attack a retreating enemy [and] not pursue a hard-pressed foe;

Fig One should not press a defeated enemy so hard that they turn and fight in desperation. Don't force people into a corner (as they may fight back desperately like cornered rats).

Note [Cf. R3K, chap. 95; Sunzi: Jūn Zhēng; vs. yí jiāng shèng yǒng below.]

Topics DESPERATION ENEMIES Jūn Zhēng R3K SELF-RESTRAINT STRATEGY