📖 Meaning
To lead a herd of horses by placing a fine horse at the front, so the rest naturally follow. Figuratively, it means the capable should take the lead and set the standard for others. It emphasizes leading by example through superior virtue or ability rather than by force.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom comes from the Han dynasty writer Yang Xiong's work Fayan (Exemplary Sayings), in the chapter Xiushen (Cultivating the Self). In a dialogue, someone asks: 'If one cultivates oneself by the standard of Confucius, why are there so few who become like Confucius?' The reply is: 'To lead horses with a fine horse at the front — is that not acceptable?' The point is that just as a good horse guides the whole herd, an exemplary person placed in front draws others upward, and one need not expect everyone to equal Confucius himself.
💡 Example Usage
新来的总监率马以骥，带领团队走出低谷。
The newly arrived director led like a fine horse guiding the herd, pulling the team out of its slump.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 率马以骥
- Pinyin: shuài mǎ yǐ jì
- Literal Translation: lead, horses, by, fine horse
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4