一马当先

一馬當先
yìmǎ-dāngxiān
idiom #33,011

Meanings

  1. 1 to take the lead
  2. 2 to charge ahead at the forefront
  3. 3 to lead the way

Examples

HSK 6
Tā zǒngshì yìmǎdāngxiān, dàilǐng tuánduì wánchéng rènwù.
He always takes the lead, guiding the team to complete the task.
HSK 7-9
Zài kànghóng qiǎngxiǎn zhōng, tā yìmǎdāngxiān, chōng zài zuì qiánmiàn.
In the flood rescue effort he charged ahead, rushing to the front line.

Tips

history
From Shi Nai'an's Ming-dynasty 《水浒传》 ch. 96: 即便勒兵列阵,一马当先,驰下山来,犹如天崩地塌之势。 The commander rides forth at the head of his troops like the sky falling and earth splitting.
usage
Strongly positive, praises courage and leadership by example. Often paired with 带头 (lead off) or 冲在前面 (charge to the front). Contrast with 跟在后面 (trail behind).

Stroke Order

dāng
xiān