Meaning of Fabian | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Pertaining to or reminiscent of Roman general Fabius Maximus, whose tactics against Hannibal during the Second Punic War famously consisted of delaying or avoiding combat, focusing instead on weakening the enemy by cutting off supply lines.
2. Advocating that social reforms be reached through a series of gradual and moderate stages rather than sudden revolution; specifically, relating to the Fabian Society, a British socialist society advocating reformist socialism.
3. Cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest.
   broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“Hood complained behind his commander's back to Richmond of Johnston's Fabian strategy.”

““This is how I know⟳ you've never had an adult relationship. If I say⟳ no, then I will be required to say⟳ yes to something else in the future, and the stakes in the future might be higher.” “Then say⟳ yes.” “If I give⟳ in, then I'm no longer the alpha in my house. Before you know⟳ it, she'll have⟳ me wearing jeans and reading fiction!” “Yeah, well, yes and no are kind of your only two choices.” “For most men, sure. But there is a third option. The Fabian strategy.” “I know⟳ this. If an apple and a feather fall⟳ at the same time--” “The Fabian strategy derives its name⟳ from the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus. He ran away, Lemon. Rather than engage⟳ in battle, he would retreat and retreat until the enemy grew fatigued and eventually made a mistake⟳. Although I abhor it as a military strategy, it is the basis for all of my, uh, personal relationships.” “So Avery is your enemy. That sounds healthy.” “You're in no position to judge⟳.””

CEFR level