Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'first execute, then report to the emperor' — a reference to historical military or judicial powers. Today it's used when someone takes action on their own authority and informs their superiors only afterward. It often implies a confident, decisive, or slightly risky move.
idiom
to act first and report afterwards
Examples
- ，先斩后奏，。Tā wèi le gǎn jìndù, xiān zhǎn hòu zòu, tíqián qiān le hétong.To meet the deadline, he acted first and reported afterwards, signing the contract ahead of time.
- 先斩后奏，。Zhècì gǎigé shì xiān zhǎn hòu zòu de, lǐngdǎo shìhòu cái zhīdào.This reform was carried out first and reported later—the leaders only found out afterwards.
- 先斩后奏，。Jiànyì nǐ búyào xiān zhǎn hòu zòu, xiān zhēngqiú yíxià dàjiā de yìjiàn.I suggest you don't act first and report later; first ask for everyone's opinions.
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