Fabian tactics

Cultural  

1. To “win like Fabius” or to win by “Fabian tactics” is to wear out an opponent by delay and evasion rather than confrontation, in the style of the ancient Roman general Fabius.

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Example Sentences

Instead, the Russian commander, Mikhail Kutuzov, of necessity adopted Fabian tactics, harassing the invaders but avoiding pitched battle when possible.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2010

Progressing we certainly are, but the devil has adapted the Fabian tactics and is leading us a wild dance through unprofitable deserts.

From Brann the Iconoclast — Volume 12 by Brann, William Cowper

Accordingly it fell out that conciliatory counsels and Fabian tactics at Nab Grange received a very severe—perhaps indeed a fatal—shock the next morning.

From Helena's Path by Hope, Anthony

Thus greatly outnumbered, Maceo wisely resorted not so much to guerrilla warfare as to what may be called Fabian tactics.

From The History of Cuba, vol. 4 by Johnson, Willis Fletcher

A second campaign by the king in the autumn was defeated, like that of the previous year, through bad weather and the Fabian tactics of the Welsh.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various