the one who moves second is doomed to lose; hesitation leads to defeat
A set phrase from shogi (Japanese chess) meaning that playing second (後手) inevitably leads to defeat. Used figuratively to warn that being slow to act or taking a passive stance will result in failure.
In business, hesitation is fatal. If you don't act quickly, you'll lose.
There is a shogi proverb that says 'the one who goes second is doomed to lose.'
The opposite concept: 'the one who moves first will surely win.' Often paired with 後手必敗 in discussions of strategy.
A compound of 後手 (gote, 'moving second; passive position') and 必敗 (hippai, 'certain defeat'). Originates from shogi terminology.