This phrase embodies the virtues as promoted by ancient Chinese philosophies, and widely adopted by real martial arts masters. The real meaning is that, fire is good when used properly, but if you play with it without any restraint, you will be burned finally; martial art is not learned just to attack, if you want to become a master, you have to learn how to attack, but most importantly, you also have to learn how not to attack, and how to yield, and how to retreat, if you only know attack and committed yourself thereto, however skilled you may be, you will be killed finally.