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马后炮

mǎ hòu pào

HSK 7–9

Meaning

  • lit. firing after the horse
  • fig. belated action
  • giving advice in hindsight
  • lit. firing after the horse
  • fig. belated action
  • giving advice in hindsight

Definition

原指象棋中的一种战术，即用马和炮配合攻击对方将帅，但马和炮之间形成一种局面；现比喻事后才采取措施或发表意见，但已为时过晚，无济于事。

Originally a tactic in Chinese chess where the horse and cannon coordinate to attack the opponent's general; now metaphorically refers to taking action or expressing opinions after the event, which is too late to be effective.

Usage

常用于批评或讽刺那些在事情发生后提出建议或行动的人，暗示这些做法已经没有实际帮助。

Often used to criticize or satirize those who offer suggestions or take action after an event has occurred, implying that these actions are no longer helpful.

Examples

  • 1 现在才来提醒我注意安全，这不是马后炮吗？(You're reminding me to be careful now? Isn't that a bit too late?)
  • 2 他总是喜欢在事情结束后发表高见，典型的马后炮。(He always likes to share his brilliant ideas after things are done, a classic case of being a Monday morning quarterback.)
  • 3 比赛输了才说战术有问题，这完全是马后炮。(Only saying there's a problem with the strategy after losing the game is completely pointless.)
  • 4 别做马后炮了，有什么建议早点提出来。(Don't be a backseat driver; if you have suggestions, bring them up early.)
  • 5 项目失败了，他却在那马后炮地分析原因，让人很无奈。(The project failed, and he was there analyzing the reasons after the fact, which was frustrating.)

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