Definition
This is a chengyu (four-character idiom) meaning 'to win victory in the first battle' or 'to achieve immediate success'. It comes from ancient warfare, where raising the flag signaled the start of battle. Today it's used figuratively for a strong start in any endeavor — a new job, a sports match, or a business venture. The literal image is 'the flag unfurls and victory is won' but it's always used metaphorically.
f.e.
to win victory in the first battleto achieve immediate success from the very beginning
Examples
- 旗开得胜。Xīwàng zhè zhī qiúduì néng zài Shìjièbēi shàng qí kāi dé shèng.I hope this team can win their first match at the World Cup.
- 旗开得胜,。Tā de xīn gōngsī qí kāi dé shèng, dì yī gè yuè jiù qiān le dà dìngdān.His new company achieved immediate success, signing a big order in the first month.
- 旗开得胜,。Gāokǎo dì yī tiān qí kāi dé shèng, tā xìnxīn dà zēng.He did very well on the first day of the college entrance exam, boosting his confidence greatly.
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