Chinese Idiom: 争先恐后 (Zheng Xian Kong Hou)
English Translation: Competing to be first, fearing to fall behind
pīn yīn: zhēng xiān kǒng hòu
Idiom Meaning: This idiom originally referred to the need to focus entirely on a task without distraction. It is now often used to describe a situation where everyone is eager to take the lead, fearing they will fall behind, indicating a heated and intense scene.
Historical Source: “Han Feizi” (《韩非子 ·喻老》)
Idiom Story:
In the later Spring and Autumn period, there was a renowned charioteer named Wang Ziqi in the Jin State. One day, Zhao Xiangzi approached him to learn the art of chariot driving. After only a short time of practice, Zhao Xiangzi became overconfident and suggested a race with Wang Ziqi.
As the race commenced, Zhao Xiangzi quickly lashed his horses and sped across the plain, determined to compete with Wang Ziqi. However, despite changing horses three times, he found himself lagging far behind Wang Ziqi.
Frustrated by his defeat, Zhao Xiangzi confronted Wang Ziqi, accusing him, “You taught me how to drive, yet you haven’t fully shared your skills with me!”
Wang Ziqi replied, “I have taught you everything I know, but your application has flaws. The key to driving lies in harmonizing the horses with the chariot. The yoke must fit properly, ensuring the horses are comfortable. Moreover, the driver must pay close attention to the horses’ performance and adjust accordingly for speed and distance.”
Wang Ziqi then pointed out Zhao Xiangzi’s mistakes, explaining, “When you’re in the lead, you fear I will catch up, and when you’re behind, you desperately want to overtake me. You focus too much on my position rather than concentrating on driving. This is why you fell behind.”
This story illustrates the meaning of “争先恐后,” emphasizing the importance of concentration and teamwork in achieving success, rather than being overly concerned about competition.
