a sword technique using the edge or side of the blade rather than a direct frontal attack to gain an advantage

这套武功讲究剑走偏锋，避开对手锋芒，以巧取胜。

an unexpected winning move or taking a non-traditional, often risky path to achieve success

在激烈的商业竞争中，他决定剑走偏锋，采用了一种从未有人尝试过的营销策略。