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

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

From The New World of Islam by Stoddard, Lothrop

This success so strengthens my power with the staff and the premier that I need not wait on Fabian tactics.

From The Last Shot by Palmer, Frederick

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

It was to these Fabian tactics that the Republicans were to bend all their efforts in order to avoid a formal declaration of war.

From Thomas Jefferson The Apostle of Americanism by Chinard, Gilbert