📖 Meaning
Literally meaning to personally take the lead among soldiers. It is a metaphor for a leader setting an example by being the first to step forward, standing at the forefront of the people. Similar to 身先士卒, it describes leading by personal example rather than by command.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a Tang Dynasty text by Zhang Yue (张说), titled 'A Proclamation on the Suppression of the Khitan Rebels in Jizhou for the Prince of Henei, Wu Yizong.' In the proclamation, the author declared the determination to personally brave the enemy's blades and take the lead at the front lines of the soldiers, relying on divine military power to defeat the enemy. The expression highlights a commander's commitment to leading from the front rather than directing from behind.
💡 Example Usage
作为团队的负责人，他在每个项目中都躬先士卒，带领大家攻坚克难。
As the team leader, he personally took the lead in every project, guiding everyone to overcome difficulties.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 躬先士卒
- Pinyin: gōng xiān shì zú
- Literal Translation: personally, first, soldier, soldier
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4