退避三舍

Etymology
From the account of, who, prior to becoming the ruler of Jin, had fled from a succession crisis and had been seeking shelter in various states. After receiving him, asked how he would pay back if he were to become the ruler of Jin. His reply was (《左傳·僖公二十三年》):



Idiom

 * 1) to give way to avoid a conflict in the face of superior strength