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yǐ 以 shēn 身 zuò 作 zé 则

以身作则 yǐ shēn zuò zé

to lead by example; to set an example with one's own conduct

Literally: with body make rule

Intermediate 🧭 Character & virtue
🃏 Practise intermediate chengyu

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Origin

From the Analects: when the ruler himself is upright, things get done without orders; the four-character form appears in later commentaries.

How to use it

Predicate; positive. Often 父母/领导要以身作则.

Example sentences

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  1. 父母要以身作则，自己不看手机，孩子才会少看。
    Fùmǔ yào yǐ shēn zuò zé, zìjǐ bù kàn shǒujī, háizi cái huì shǎo kàn.
    Parents must lead by example; only if they stay off their phones will the children use them less.
    parents must with body make rule, self not look phone, child only-then will less look
  2. 经理每天第一个到公司，以身作则，大家都不好意思迟到。
    Jīnglǐ měi tiān dì-yī gè dào gōngsī, yǐ shēn zuò zé, dàjiā dōu bù hǎoyìsi chídào.
    The manager is first in every day and sets an example, so nobody dares be late.
    manager every day first (measure) arrive company, with body make rule, everyone all not embarrassed-to be-late

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