Theresa May's big concession - and it was a significant tactical retreat - was about buying herself more time.
So now, under the threat of maybe 15 to 20 ministers rebelling, the prime minister's promised MPs an opportunity next month to rule out a no-deal Brexit, and force a "limited" delay in leaving the EU.
Without that promise, there's every chance those unhappy ministers would have joined other MPs in voting to rule out no-deal and delay Brexit anyway.
She did not offer ministers freedom to vote as they choose. So now the (potential) rebels must decide whether to hold fire for a fortnight, while she tries to get terms in Brussels she can sell to the Commons - hoping Brexiteers ultimately back her deal as the best Brexit available.
Call it "running down the clock", or "kicking the can down the road", if you like.
But kicking and running has been Mrs May's best hope for months.
- ۹۷/۱۲/۰۸