Chaos Stratagems (混戰計) Stratagem 19
釜底抽薪
Fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Remove the firewood from under the pot
The Classical Strategy
Take out the leading argument or asset of someone; 'steal someone's thunder'. Defeat a superior enemy by undermining their foundation.
☯ Metaphysical Application
In Elemental Theory: Instead of trying to use Water to extinguish a massive Fire, use Metal to chop the Wood that is feeding the Fire.