1.
to make the first move; to take the initiative; to act preemptively
To take action before the other party does, gaining a strategic advantage. Originally from shogi/go terminology where 先手 is the player who moves first.
先手を打って交渉を始めた。
I took the initiative and started negotiations.
競合より先手を打って新商品を発表した。
We got ahead of our competitors by announcing the new product first.
問題が大きくなる前に先手を打って対策を講じるべきだ。
We should take preemptive action and implement countermeasures before the problem grows.
ORIGIN:
From board game terminology. In shogi and go, 先手 refers to the player who moves first, which is considered an advantage. 先手を打つ means to secure that first-mover advantage.
CONTRAST:
- 先手を打つ vs. 後手に回る: Opposite expressions. 先手を打つ is proactive; 後手に回る is reactive and disadvantageous.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 先手を打って対応する (to respond proactively)
- 先手を打って動く (to act preemptively)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 先を越す: To get ahead of someone — focuses on outpacing rather than strategic positioning.
- 先制する: To strike first, to preempt — more aggressive, often used in military or sports contexts.