qǔ取takeér而anddài代replacezhī之it
To replace someone or something; to supersede.
Literal meaning
take (取) — and (而) — replace (代) — it (之)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase indicating the act of replacing something.
Examples
Xīn jìshù zuìzhōng huì qǔ'érdàizhī jiù jìshù.新技术最终会取而代之旧技术。
New technology will eventually replace old technology.
Tā nǔlì gōngzuò, xīwàng yǒu yītiān néng qǔ'érdàizhī jīnglǐ de wèizhì.他努力工作，希望有一天能取而代之经理的位置。
He works hard, hoping to one day replace the manager's position.
Usage & nuances
Can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.
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