捷足先登 — “The swift-footed get there first”
捷足先登 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “the swift-footed get there first”. Those who act promptly gain the advantage or achieve their goal ahead of others. Literally, “swift foot first to ascend/arrive”.
捷足先登 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 捷jié
- 足zú
- 先xiān
- 登dēng
捷足先登 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 捷足先登
Origin and Story of 捷足先登
In 197 BC, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, led his troops to attack Chen Xi, the governor of Julu Commandery. Han Xin, due to his good relationship with Chen Xi and his resentment over being stripped of his title, did not participate.
Liu Bang's wife, Empress Lü, believed slanderous accusations and had Xiao He trick Han Xin into Chang Le Palace, where he was killed. Before his death, Han Xin regretted not listening to Kuai Tong's advice.
When Liu Bang later intended to execute Kuai Tong, Kuai Tong skillfully argued his case and was acquitted without punishment.
Idioms Related to 捷足先登
Synonyms of 捷足先登
Antonyms of 捷足先登
More idioms starting with 捷
Questions about 捷足先登
- What does 捷足先登 mean?
- 捷足先登 (jié zú xiān dēng) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “the swift-footed get there first”.
- How do you pronounce 捷足先登?
- 捷足先登 is pronounced jié zú xiān dēng in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 捷足先登 literally mean?
- Literally, 捷足先登 means “swift foot first to ascend/arrive”. It is used to mean “the swift-footed get there first”.
- Where does 捷足先登 come from?
- 捷足先登 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 捷足先登?
- 比喻行动快的人先达到目的或先得到所求的东西。