Noun
masterly inactivity (uncountable)
(politics, public policy) A policy of deliberate inactivity, carried out with diplomatic skill, so as to preserve a predominant influence without risking anything.
The Commons, faithful to their system, remained in a wise and masterly inactivity. James Mackintosh
Masterly inactivity may be prudence to one man, desperate rashness to another. Arthur Kekewich
The force which a body at rest exercises on a body in motion impinging upon it. [Stolid immobility or masterly inactivity.]. Latin Proverb