1.
to be on the defensive; to fall behind; to be reactive rather than proactive
To end up in a position where one can only react to events rather than control them. Originally from shogi/go terminology where 後手 means the second player (who moves second). Implies a disadvantageous position.
対応が後手に回った。
The response fell behind.
政府の対策は後手に回っていると批判された。
The government's measures were criticized for being reactive.
競合に先を越されて後手に回らないように、早めに新商品を投入すべきだ。
We should launch the new product early so we don't fall behind our competitors.
ORIGIN:
From board game terminology. In shogi and go, 後手 refers to the player who moves second, which is generally considered a disadvantage. 後手に回る means to be put into that second-mover position.
CONTRAST:
- 後手に回る vs. 先手を打つ: Opposite expressions. 先手を打つ means to take the initiative, to make the first move — the proactive counterpart.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 対応が後手に回る (the response falls behind)
- 対策が後手に回る (measures are reactive)
- 後手に回らないように (so as not to fall behind)
USAGE:
Very common in news and business contexts when criticizing slow or reactive responses to problems, especially by organizations and governments.