后来居上

Pronunciation: hòu lái jū shàng Literal meaning: Latecomers end up on top

Origin & Usage

Ji An, passed over while men appointed after him were promoted past him, said it to Emperor Wu's face: Your Majesty uses officials the way one stacks firewood — the ones that come later (后来) go on top (居上). It was a complaint, and a pointed one. Modern usage has inverted it completely and made it a compliment, describing the late starter who overtakes those who began ahead of them, with none of Ji An's bitterness left in it.

Examples

English: "The startup that entered the market last became the industry leader."

Chinese: 最后进入市场的那家初创公司后来居上，成为行业领袖。