# 后来居上

hòu lái jū shàng

Overtake those who started earlier

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Those coming later take the higher place

**Traditional Chinese:** 後來居上

**Register:** Appreciative · general

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe a newcomer surpassing earlier competitors.

Requires relative improvement, not merely arriving late.

## Understanding the expression

The phrase changes the expected order between an early starter and a later arrival. Beginning first does not guarantee staying ahead: a newcomer may learn faster, use better methods, or benefit from earlier mistakes. Modern speakers use it for learners, athletes, products, and organizations. The comparison matters. Someone who improves without overtaking anyone has progressed, but the expression specifically highlights passing those who once held the lead.

## Examples

新队后来居上，拿到了冠军。

### Traditional Chinese

新隊後來居上，拿到了冠軍。

xīn duì hòu lái jū shàng ， ná dào le guàn jūn 。

The new team overtook the others and won the championship.

她起步虽晚，却在比赛中后来居上。

### Traditional Chinese

她起步雖晚，卻在比賽中後來居上。

tā qǐ bù suī wǎn ， què zài bǐ sài zhōng hòu lái jū shàng 。

Although she started late, she overtook the competition.

这家小店后来居上，销量超过了老店。

### Traditional Chinese

這家小店後來居上，銷量超過了老店。

zhè jiā xiǎo diàn hòu lái jū shàng ， xiāo liàng chāo guò le lǎo diàn 。

This newer shop overtook the established shop in sales.

弟弟学琴晚，却后来居上。

### Traditional Chinese

弟弟學琴晚，卻後來居上。

dì di xué qín wǎn ， què hòu lái jū shàng 。

The younger brother started piano later but surpassed the others.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BE%8C%E4%BE%86%E5%B1%85%E4%B8%8A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=45&webMd=1&la=0)

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