早了一步晚了一拍 Too early by a step too late by a beat It conveys the idea

Relation Nicknames

不早不晚 [bù zăo bù wăn]
Neither too early nor too late signifies timing that is perfectly suitable or just right It may imply ...
过晚 [guò wăn]
Meaning too late it reflects a sense of regret or disappointment at missing out on something due to ...
晚走一分 [wăn zŏu yī fēn]
Late by One Minute represents the idea of slightly lagging behind arriving a minute too late or choosing ...
太迟了 [tài chí le]
Meaning too late It conveys a sense of regret due to timing missing opportunities or realizations ...
早不得 [zăo bù dé]
It sounds like it means too early expressing a situation where one cannot achieve or get something ...
来的太早 [lái de tài zăo]
Came Too Early conveys the feeling of being premature or not fitting into current circumstances ...
晚一步 [wăn yī bù]
Means being a step too late in timing often used in contexts where the outcome wouldve been different ...
过早 [guò zăo]
The simplest interpretation is too early but it can also carry nuances such as regret over actions ...
为时已晚为时过早 [wéi shí yĭ wăn wéi shí guò zăo]
This means Its too late and too early at the same time expressing conflicting feelings about timing ...