牵制 qiānzhì to control
to control; to curb; to restrict; to impede; to pin down (enemy troops)
How to remember 牵制: 牵 to drag + 制 system = to control.
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How it is used
- To hold in check / tie down so the other can't act freely - 用一支部队牵制敌人 (yòng yì zhī bùduì qiānzhì dírén) to pin down the enemy with one unit.
- The image is 'leading by a rope': restraining or diverting an opponent's forces or freedom of action.
- Military and strategic register; also for checks-and-balances between powers.