Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning to turn a losing situation into a winning one — to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. You can use it in sports, business, war, or any competitive context where someone overcomes a disadvantage and wins. It often carries a sense of dramatic reversal and perseverance.
f.e.
to turn defeat into victoryto snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
Examples
- 反败为胜,。Zhè zhī qiúduì zài zuìhòu wǔ fēnzhōng fǎn bài wéi shèng, yíngdé le bǐsài.This team turned defeat into victory in the last five minutes and won the game.
- 反败为胜,。Gōngsī tōngguò chuàngxīn chǎnpǐn fǎn bài wéi shèng, chóngxīn zhànlǐng shìchǎng.The company turned defeat into victory through innovative products and recaptured the market.
- 反败为胜,。Tā zài qí jú zhōng fǎn bài wéi shèng, ràng duìshǒu dà chī yì jīng.He turned defeat into victory in the chess game, surprising his opponent greatly.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.