以夷制夷
yǐ​yí​zhì​yí

to use foreigners to control foreigners

  1. 以 yǐ preposition
    by means of
    to use; by means of; with; using the tool or method introduced
  2. 夷 yí verb
    foreigners
    (bound form) derogatory term for outsiders or foreigners, often used in modern history before the 20th century
  3. 制 zhì verb
    to control
    to restrict; to govern; to keep under control
  4. 夷 yí verb
    foreigners
    (bound form) derogatory term for outsiders or foreigners, often used in modern history before the 20th century