thu binh
Definition
- Verb (archaic/military):
- To withdraw troops: To order one's military forces to pull back from a position or battlefield and return to base or a designated area. This term specifically refers to the action of a commander recalling their soldiers.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Nhà vua ra lệnh thu binh sau chiến thắng. (The king ordered the withdrawal of troops after the victory.)
- Tướng quân quyết định thu binh để bảo toàn lực lượng. (The general decided to withdraw troops to preserve his forces.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thu binh" is primarily found in historical or literary contexts, describing military actions in ancient or feudal times. It implies a strategic, organized retreat or conclusion of a campaign.
Variants and Related Words
- Thu quân (v): A direct synonym meaning "to withdraw troops."
- Lệnh thu quân được ban ra vào lúc hoàng hôn. (The order to withdraw troops was issued at dusk.)
Synonyms
- Withdraw troops: To pull military forces back from an area.
- Recall soldiers: To call troops back from deployment.
- Retreat (in a strategic, ordered context).
Related Idioms
- While "thu binh" itself is not commonly part of modern idioms, the concept is related to the classical strategic principle:
- "Tiến thoái lưỡng nan": To be in a dilemma, caught between advancing and retreating (where retreating could involve thu binh).
- Quân địch áp sát, tình thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan, khó có thể thu binh. (The enemy closed in, creating a dilemma where withdrawing troops was difficult.)