成則為王，敗則為寇 chéng zé wéi wáng ， bài zé wéi kòu

fig. losers are always in the wrong

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. losers are always in the wrong
  2. 2. lit. called a king if successful, called a bandit if defeated (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
成 chéng HSK 3
to become; to succeed; to complete
則 zé
then; but; rule, standard
為 wéi
for; because of; to
王 wáng HSK 5
surname Wang; king or monarch
敗 bài
to fail; to lose (to an opponent); to defeat
則 zé
then; but; rule, standard
為 wéi
for; because of; to
寇 kòu
bandit; to invade; to plunder