Chinese expressions don't stay still.

Sometimes a new one quietly replaces an old one.

Here's an example:

For years, "overtake on the bend" (弯道超车 wān dào chāo chē) was common in Chinese business and political language.

It means getting ahead by exploiting a moment when others are slowed down.

It became shorthand for China's economic rise.

But the phrase has become increasingly awkward.

Because technically overtaking in that way is illegal! So it carries an implicit suggestion of cutting corners or taking shortcuts.

And the Chinese authorities wouldn't want to give that impression!

So a new phrase has quietly taken its place.

"Overtake by changing lanes" (换道超车 huàn dào chāo chē).

So rather than exploiting the bend, find a completely new lane to avoid the competition entirely.

Much more politically correct!

So you'll start hearing "Overtake by changing lanes" much more.