及瓜而代 — “To be succeeded by another person when one's term of office expires”

及瓜而代 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be succeeded by another person when one's term of office expires”. Often implying a specific, sometimes distant, or naturally occurring time for relief from duties. Literally, “To be replaced when melons ripen”.

Frequency

及瓜而代 Pronunciation and Pinyin

及瓜而代 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
及	jí	4	reach, and, in time
瓜	guā	5	Melon or gourd
而	ér	6	and, but, then
代	dài	5	replace; generation; era

Example Sentence with 及瓜而代

老张已经在那个岗位上工作了五年，大家都知道他会在明年及瓜而代。

Old Zhang has worked in that position for five years, and everyone knows he will be relieved of his duties next year, 'when the melons ripen.'

Origin and Story of 及瓜而代

During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xiang of Qi, along with forces from Song and three other states, attacked the state of Wei. Duke Zhuang of Lu dispatched troops to aid Wei and defeated Duke Xiang of Qi.

Subsequently, Duke Xiang of Qi sent his generals Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu to guard Kuiqiu. Feeling pressured, they complied but inquired about the timing of their replacement. Duke Xiang of Qi casually replied, saying they would be replaced 'when the melons ripen' ( 及瓜而代).

The following year, when the melons were ripe, Lian Cheng sent someone to deliver melons to Duke Xiang of Qi as a subtle reminder. Duke Xiang of Qi was enraged by this gesture, which ultimately provoked Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu into rebellion.