expression, godan verb (-ru)
lose a battle to win the war; incur damage to inflict greater damage on a foe
Proverb-like idiom meaning to accept a minor loss or sacrifice in order to deal a decisive blow to an opponent. Often used in strategic or competitive contexts.
彼は肉を切らせて骨を切る戦略で、あえてシェアを譲ってライバルを市場から追い出した。
He used a 'lose a battle to win the war' strategy, deliberately giving up market share to drive his rival out of the market.