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

In Nova Scotia a similar fate was averted only by Tupper's Fabian tactics.

From The Canadian Dominion; a chronicle of our northern neighbor by Skelton, Oscar Douglas

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

These Fabian tactics do not mean that the Sennussi are idle.

From The New World of Islam by Stoddard, Lothrop

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