承先启后 inherit the past, open up the future
Explanation
继承前人的事业，为后人开辟道路。
To inherit the achievements of predecessors and open up the way for future generations.
Origin Story
话说大禹治水，三过家门而不入，为的是将洪水彻底治理，造福后世。他勤政爱民，呕心沥血，最终成功治理了洪水，为后人留下了丰功伟绩。大禹之后，夏朝建立，他的儿子启继承了父辈的基业，继续治理国家，将国家的稳定和发展延续了下去。他们父子二人，一个承前启后，一个继往开来，共同谱写了中华文明的辉煌篇章。 后来，人们常说他们父子二人是承先启后、继往开来的典范。
It is said that Yu the Great, while controlling the floods, passed by his home three times without entering, in order to completely control the floods and benefit future generations. He worked diligently and loved the people, pouring his heart and soul into it, and finally successfully controlled the floods, leaving behind great achievements for future generations. After Yu, the Xia Dynasty was established, and his son Qi inherited his father's legacy and continued to govern the country, continuing the stability and development of the country. The two of them, father and son, one carrying on the legacy and paving the way, the other carrying on the past and opening up the future, jointly composed a glorious chapter of Chinese civilization. Later, people often said that the two father and son were a model of inheriting the past and opening up the future.
Usage
用于形容一个人或一件事情，既继承了前人的优秀传统，又为后人开创了新的局面。
Used to describe a person or thing that inherits the excellent traditions of predecessors and creates a new situation for future generations.
Examples
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他承先启后，完成了这项伟大的事业。
ta chengxianqihou, wancheng le zhexiang weida de shiye。
He inherited the past and created the future, completing this great cause.
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这家公司承先启后，不断创新。
zhejia gongsi chengxianqihou, buduan chuangxin
This company carries on the tradition and constantly innovates