Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1034IR // #c1034Synthesis

"TURNBULL: If you and I could reach agreement now, Paul and I would move out immediately. If we can't reach an agreement, the hearing examiner at the Rent Control Board suggested that we stay in the apartment and withhold rent and/or sue you for reimbursement, treble damages, and legal fees. Paul and I are extremely reluctant to take either of these courses."

— In our words · Source: Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher, William Ury & Bruce Patton)

[Use when]

You need your walk-away to be vivid without making it a personal threat.

[Why it matters]

Turnbull pairs an easy yes (move out now) with his walk-away stated as someone else's suggestion, then distances himself with visible reluctance. The threat is real but he never owns it, so Mrs. Jones can keep talking to him.

More from Getting to Yes

#c1013"The Soviet Union finally agreed to three inspections. The United States insisted on no less than ten. And there the talks broke down —…Two sides are dug in on competing figures and nobody has defined what the figures mean. #c1014"Sadat flew to the capital of his enemies, a disputed capital which not even the United States, Israel's best friend, had recognized.…The negotiation is stuck because the other side's image of you makes agreement unthinkable. #c1015"Terms negotiated between a major city and its Hispanic community on municipal jobs were unacceptable to the mayor — until the agreement…The other side agrees with the deal but cannot be seen agreeing with you.