功敗垂成 gōng bài chuí chéng

to fail within sight of success (idiom); last-minute failure

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to fail within sight of success (idiom); last-minute failure
  2. 2. to fall at the last hurdle
  3. 3. snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

Characters

Character Meaning
功 gōng HSK 4
meritorious deed or service; achievement; accomplishment
敗 bài
to fail; to lose (to an opponent); to defeat
垂 chuí HSK 6
to hang (down); droop; dangle
成 chéng HSK 3
to become; to succeed; to complete