身先士卒 (shēn xiān shì cù) — to lead by example, to be at the forefront (of a difficult task)
Definition
A chengyu meaning 'lead by example by going first' — a leader steps into danger or hard work before the troops, showing resolve through action rather than words.
idiom
to lead by exampleto be at the forefront (of a difficult task)
Examples
- 身先士卒,。Zhè wèi jīng lǐ zǒng shì shēn xiān shì cù, hé yuán gōng yì qǐ jiā bān.This manager always leads by example, working overtime together with the staff.
- ,身先士卒,。Zài wēi jī shí kè, duì zhǎng shēn xiān shì cù, dì yī gè chōng le jìn qù.At the moment of crisis, the captain led the charge and was the first to rush in.
- 身先士卒,。Hǎo de lǐng dǎo yīng gāi shēn xiān shì cù, ér bú shì zhī zhǐ huī bié rén.A good leader should lead by example, not just order others around.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.