Definition
有言在先 is a set phrase (idiom) meaning to have stated something clearly in advance, often used to remind someone of a prior warning, agreement, or condition. It's a fixed expression — you cannot split it or insert words between the characters. Use it when you want to say 'I told you so' or 'we agreed beforehand' in a conversation.
f.e.
to have forewarned or made clear in advancea prior statement or agreement
Examples
- ，有言在先。Bié guài wǒ méi tíxǐng nǐ, wǒ kěshì yǒu le.Don't blame me for not warning you — I told you so beforehand.
- 有言在先，，。Zánmen yǒu, zhè bǐ qián jiè gěi nǐ, sān gè yuè nèi bìxū huán.Let's make it clear in advance: this money I'm lending you must be returned within three months.
- 有言在先，。Dāngshí yǒu shuō guò bù néng chídào, nǐ xiànzài háishì wǎn le.I said clearly in advance that you couldn't be late, yet here you are, late.
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