sin1 haa6 sau2 wai4 koeng4先下手為強先下手为强

Jyutpingsin1 haa6 sau2 wai4 koeng4

Yalesīn hah sáu wàih kèuhng

語句Rare

Definition

To gain the upper hand by taking the initiative.

colloquialworkother

How it's used

This idiom functions as a strategic piece of advice, often used to justify acting quickly before a competitor or opponent does. It carries a slightly aggressive or competitive tone, implying that waiting for more information or permission is a disadvantage. It is frequently used in business, sports, or competitive social situations where timing is the deciding factor.

Examples

le1呢daan1單saang1生ji3意jiu3要sin1先haa6下sau2手wai4為koeng4強，m4唔hai6係bei2俾jan4人㗎gaa2喇。

We need to strike first on this deal, otherwise someone else will snatch it.

nei5你zung6仲nam2諗gan2緊？sin1先haa6下sau2手wai4為koeng4強laa1啦，zoi3再ci4遲zau6就mou5冇wai6位㗎gaa2喇。

Are you still thinking about it? Take the initiative now, it will be too late soon.

Common phrases

jat1一ding6定jiu3要sin1先haa6下sau2手wai4為koeng4強

must take the initiative

sin1先haa6下sau2手wai4為koeng4強，hau6後haa6下sau2手zou1遭joeng1殃

strike first and win, strike later and suffer

Common mistake

Learners sometimes mistake this for a simple description of speed, but it specifically implies a competitive edge gained by being the first to act. It is not used for everyday tasks like finishing homework early, but rather for situations where there is a limited prize or opportunity that others are also vying for.