Uchikura & Co., LLC

Giving Salt to the Enemy

 

One Japanese expression that is often misunderstood is "Teki ni shio o ataeru" (敵に塩を与える)—literally, "to give salt to the enemy."

 

Some people interpret it as giving food or helping an enemy in need. While that comes from the famous story of the 16th-century warlord Uesugi Kenshin sending salt to his rival Takeda Shingen during a salt shortage, that is not how the phrase is most commonly used today.

 

In everyday Japanese, it is often used as a warning:

 

"Don't do that. You'll just be giving salt to the enemy."

 

In other words, don't provide advice, information, money, or assistance that will strengthen someone who may later use it against you. It is less about kindness and more about avoiding the mistake of helping your own opposition.

 

This reminds me of a quote often attributed to Napoleon:

 

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

 

The principle is similar. If your opponent is weakening themselves, don't step in and help them recover.

 

Business is competitive. Being generous is admirable, but generosity should also be wise. Helping others is one thing; helping those actively working against your own interests is another.

 

Sometimes, the best strategy is simply not to hand your opponent the salt.