Proverb / Kotowaza
後の雁が先になる
A person who arrives later or starts later sometimes overtakes those who were ahead of them.
The wild goose in the back becomes the one in the front
Quick Answer
A person who arrives later or starts later sometimes overtakes those who were ahead of them.
- Literal Image
- The wild goose in the back becomes the one in the front
- Closest Equivalent
- The last shall be first
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a situation where a junior member or a newcomer achieves success or a promotion faster than their seniors.
Meaning
This proverb describes situations where a latecomer succeeds or achieves a higher status before those who were already there. It serves as a reminder that the order of success and advancement is not always fixed or determined by seniority.
Literal Image
The wild goose in the back becomes the one in the front
Equivalent Proverbs
The last shall be first
A similar biblical expression regarding the reversal of order.
How to Use It
Used to describe a situation where a junior member or a newcomer achieves success or a promotion faster than their seniors.
Examples
後から入社した彼がいち早く昇進した。まさに後の雁が先になるだ。
He joined the company after us but was promoted first. It truly is a case of the last goose becoming the first.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The grammar uses simple particles and the verb 'naru', but the vocabulary 'kari' (wild goose) and the metaphorical nature of the phrase require a higher level of understanding.
後
あと / ato
behind; later
雁
かり / kari
wild goose
先
さき / saki
front; ahead
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure it is used to describe a reversal of order rather than just any success.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this refers to physical racing; it is used for social or professional advancement.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression comes from the observation of migratory geese flying in a line, where a goose flying at the back occasionally moves to the front of the formation.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.