"Chu Shi Wei Jie" (Setting Out Before Victory Is Won) originates from Du Fu's poem "The Prime Minister of Shu" from the Tang Dynasty: "He died before his expedition could achieve victory, leaving heroes of all ages with tears soaking their garments." It originally refers to Zhuge Liang's northern expeditions against Cao Wei, during which he died before his cause could be accomplished. Later, it came to generally mean that before a matter could succeed, one encountered failure or suffered a setback midway. This idiom carries profound solemnity and regret, and is often used to describe situations in which great aspirations remain unfulfilled and success slips away at the final moment, bearing a strong tone of lamentation and sighing. It is mostly used in relation to major undertakings, military campaigns, or life pursuits, emphasizing that one's efforts have been spent in vain, leaving people deeply regretful. Culturally, it reflects the reverence in Chinese culture for the spirit of "bending one's back to the task until one's dying day," as well as lamentation over the unpredictability of fate. When used, it can refer either to the frustration of personal ideals or to the unfinished great cause of a team or nation. Emotionally, it tends toward the heavy and sorrowful, but sometimes it also implies respect for the unyielding spirit of those who strive.
📝 Example
1. This entrepreneurial project folded midway due to a broken capital chain—truly a case of falling short before the mission was accomplished, which is deeply regrettable. (refers to failing before one's endeavor succeeds)
2. He was determined to crack this scientific research problem, but a severe illness forced him to give up—falling short before the mission was accomplished, leaving only regret. (refers to being thwarted before one's aspiration could be realized)