功败垂成功败垂成[gōng bài chuí chéng]1.■fail on the verge of success; suffer defeat when victory is within reach; abandon work near completion; a slip between the cup and the lip; failed in the end; between the cup and the lip; fail in a great undertaking on the verge of success; fail only when nearing success; fall through when success is in sight; fail at the last moment; flop just before the finish; a failure that was nearly a success; One's attempt fails when success is already in sight.; suffer defeat when victory is within one's grasp