追おいつき追おい越こせ

expression

catch up and overtake; pass after catching up

A set phrase often used as a motivational slogan or in competitive contexts, meaning to first catch up and then surpass. It can be used literally in races or figuratively for self-improvement or business competition.

• 彼かれはマラソンで追おいつき追おい越こせの精せい神しんで走はしった。

  He ran the marathon with the spirit of catching up and then overtaking.

• ライバル会社がいしゃに追おいつき追おい越こせと社しゃ長ちょうが言いった。

  The president said, 'Catch up with and surpass our rival company.'