后来居上
后来居上 (hòu lái jū shàng) literally means “latecomers end up on top” and expresses “latecomers surpass the early starters”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: hou lai ju shang, hou lai ju shang,后来居上 meaning, 后来居上 in english
Latecomers surpass the early starters
Pronunciation: hòu lái jū shàng Literal meaning: Latecomers end up on top
Origin & Usage
This idiom originates from 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), describing how later (后来) officials often rose (居上) to higher positions than their predecessors. The phrase was used by Emperor Wu of Han's advisor to explain why recently appointed ministers sometimes outranked senior ones. It suggests that timing of entry does not determine ultimate success. Modern usage celebrates underdogs and late starters who surpass early leaders through superior effort or strategy, particularly relevant in competitive markets and sports.
When to Use
Situation: The startup that entered the market last became the industry leader.
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一心一意
yī xīn yī yì
Wholeheartedly; with undivided attention
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脚踏实地
jiǎo tà shí dì
Being practical and down-to-earth
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马到成功
mǎ dào chéng gōng
Achieve immediate success
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虎头蛇尾
hǔ tóu shé wěi
Strong start with weak finish
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海底捞针
hǎi dǐ lāo zhēn
Attempt an extremely difficult search
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废寝忘食
fèi qǐn wàng shí
So absorbed as to neglect basic needs
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东山再起
dōng shān zài qǐ
Make a comeback after setback or retirement
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得天独厚
dé tiān dú hòu
Uniquely blessed with natural advantages
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 后来居上 mean in English?
后来居上 (hòu lái jū shàng) literally translates to “Latecomers end up on top” and is used to express “Latecomers surpass the early starters”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 后来居上 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving latecomers surpass the early starters.
What is the pinyin for 后来居上?
The pinyin pronunciation for 后来居上 is “hòu lái jū shàng”.