As Good as Already Won
Korean Proverb
따 놓은 당상
🔤 Romanization
Tta Noeun Dangsang
📖 Literal Meaning
An official position already secured.
The proverb refers to someone who has already secured the prestigious position of Dangsang (堂上官), a high-ranking government official during Korea's Joseon Dynasty.
Once the position was guaranteed, success was virtually certain.
💡 Figurative Meaning
This proverb describes something that is almost guaranteed to succeed or already certain to happen.
It is often used when victory, promotion, admission, or success is considered nearly assured.
While it expresses strong confidence, the proverb also reminds us not to become overconfident until the result is officially confirmed.
Nothing is truly finished until it is finished.
🌍 English Equivalent
Closest Match
It's a sure thing.
Other Similar Expressions
As good as done.
In the bag.
A slam dunk.
Practically guaranteed.
📝 Example Sentences
1.
With years of experience and outstanding qualifications, everyone believed the promotion was as good as done.
2.
The team entered the final match undefeated, and many fans thought the championship was already in the bag.
3.
Although success looked certain, she continued preparing carefully until the final decision was announced.
🏯 Why Koreans Say This
During the Joseon Dynasty, government officials were divided into different ranks.
Among them, Dangsang (堂上官) referred to senior officials who held prestigious positions and enjoyed great respect.
Being appointed to such a position was considered one of the highest achievements a scholar or civil servant could attain.
Over time, people began using "따 놓은 당상" to describe any situation where success seemed virtually guaranteed.
Today, Koreans commonly use the proverb for job offers, promotions, exams, elections, championships, and business opportunities that appear almost certain.
❤️ Life Lesson
Confidence is valuable, but humility is wiser.
Never stop preparing until success is confirmed.
Success should inspire responsibility—not complacency.
Finish strong, even when victory seems certain.
📚 Learn Korean
따 놓은 (Tta Noeun) = Already secured / Already obtained
당상 (Dangsang) = High-ranking Joseon government official
⭐ Fun Fact
The word "Dangsang" originally referred to officials who were permitted to sit on the raised platform inside the royal court, symbolizing their high status and authority.
Although the position disappeared over a century ago, the expression remains one of Korea's most commonly used idioms for almost guaranteed success.
🌎 Real Life Applications
Business & Career
A highly qualified candidate may appear almost certain to receive a promotion—but professionalism means continuing to prepare until the final announcement.
Education
Students with outstanding scores may seem guaranteed admission, yet wise students continue studying until the results are official.
Sports
Even teams favored to win championships continue practicing hard because overconfidence can lead to defeat.
Personal Growth
Celebrate progress, but never let confidence replace discipline.
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🏆 BB Master's Insight
"Confidence opens the door to success, but humility keeps it open. The wisest people prepare just as hard when victory seems certain as they do when the outcome is uncertain."
✨ Closing Quote
Success may seem guaranteed—but excellence never stops preparing.
Stay humble, stay disciplined, and finish every journey with the same effort that started it.
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