📖 Meaning
Originally referring to charging ahead on horseback at the front of a battle formation. It describes taking the lead or being at the forefront in any endeavor. It also metaphorically means taking initiative and leading by example in work or collective activities.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Ming Dynasty novel "Water Margin" (水浒传) by Shi Nai'an, specifically Chapter 96. In the passage, a commander rallies his troops into battle formation and charges down the mountain on horseback at the very front, with a force described as like the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart. The vivid image of a lone rider leading the charge became a lasting metaphor for taking the lead. Over the centuries it has been widely used to praise those who step forward first and set an example for others to follow.
💡 Example Usage
比赛一开始，他就一马当先冲在了最前面。
As soon as the race began, he charged to the very front, leading the way.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一马当先
- Pinyin: yī mǎ dāng xiān
- Literal Translation: one, horse, take, first
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4