失之东隅，收之桑榆 What is lost in the East is gained in the West
Explanation
比喻在某一方面遭受损失或失败，但在另一方面却能获得成功或补偿。强调事物是变化发展的，一时失利不代表永远失败。
This idiom is used to describe a situation where one suffers a loss or failure in one aspect, but achieves success or compensation in another. It emphasizes the ever-changing nature of things, suggesting that a temporary setback does not necessarily mean permanent failure.
Origin Story
东汉时期，名将冯异屡立战功，深受光武帝刘秀器重。一次，冯异奉命与邓禹一同讨伐赤眉军，邓禹在战斗中失利，损失惨重。冯异临危不乱，稳住阵脚，采取巧妙的策略，最终扭转乾坤，取得了胜利。虽然邓禹的军队初战失利，但冯异最终取得胜利，这便是“失之东隅，收之桑榆”的经典案例。这个故事告诉我们，人生的道路并非一帆风顺，在某一方面遇到挫折并不可怕，重要的是能从失败中吸取教训，并另辟蹊径，最终取得成功。
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the famous general Feng Yi repeatedly made great contributions and was highly valued by Emperor Guangwu Xiu. Once, Feng Yi was ordered to attack the Chimei army together with Deng Yu. Deng Yu suffered a defeat in battle and suffered heavy losses. Feng Yi, however, remained calm in this critical situation, stabilized his position, and adopted clever strategies. He finally reversed the situation and won the victory. Although Deng Yu's army lost the initial battle, Feng Yi's eventual triumph became a classic example of "what is lost in the East is gained in the West". This story teaches us that life's path is not always smooth sailing. Facing setbacks is not frightening; what is important is that one can learn from failures and seek alternative paths, ultimately achieving success.
Usage
用于比喻在某一方面失败了，在另一方面却取得了成功。
Used to illustrate that a failure in one area can be compensated for by success in another.
Examples
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虽然这次考试失利了，但他并没有灰心，相信失之东隅，收之桑榆。
suīrán zhè cì kǎoshì shīlì le, dàn tā bìng méiyǒu huīxīn, xiāngxìn shī zhī dōng yú, shōu zhī sāng yú
Although he failed the exam this time, he was not discouraged, believing that what he lost in the morning, he gained in the evening.
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创业初期屡遭挫折，但他不气馁，最终凭借不懈努力获得了成功，真是失之东隅，收之桑榆
chuàngyè chūqī lǚ zāo cuòzhé, dàn tā bù qǐnǎi, zuìzhōng píngjí bù xiè nǔlì huòdé le chénggōng, zhēnshi shī zhī dōng yú, shōu zhī sāng yú
In the early days of his career, he suffered many setbacks, but he did not give up and finally achieved success through unremitting efforts. This is a perfect example of 'what is lost in the East, is gained in the West'.