严于律己 Be strict with oneself
Explanation
严格要求自己，约束自己的行为。
To strictly demand oneself and restrain one's behavior.
Origin Story
年轻的县令李清正刚上任，就以身作则，严于律己。他每天比百姓起得更早，巡视县城，了解民情。即使是微不足道的小事，他也认真处理，从不敷衍塞责。他从不接受任何人的贿赂，生活俭朴，与百姓同甘共苦。他经常告诫自己要廉洁奉公，为民服务，绝不能辜负百姓的期望。他这种严于律己的精神，感动了全县的人民。
When the young magistrate Li Qingzheng took office, he led by example and was strict with himself. Every day, he would get up earlier than the people, patrol the county, and understand the people’s sentiments. Even for minor matters, he would handle them carefully, never perfunctory or shirking responsibilities. He never accepted bribes, lived frugally, and shared the joys and sorrows with the people. He often cautioned himself to be honest, serve the people, and never disappoint their expectations. This spirit of self-discipline moved the entire county.
Usage
形容人严格要求自己，约束自己的行为。常用作谓语、补语。
Describes someone who sets strict demands on themselves and controls their behavior. Often used as a predicate or predicative.
Examples
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他严于律己，宽以待人，深受大家的尊敬。
tā yányúlǜjǐ, kuānyǐdàirén, shēnshòu dàjiā de zūnjìng。
He is strict with himself and lenient with others, and is deeply respected by everyone.
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作为一名领导干部，更应该严于律己，率先垂范。
zuòwéi yī míng lǐngdǎo gànbù, gèng yīnggāi yányúlǜjǐ, xiānshǒu chuífàn。
As a leading cadre, we should be stricter with ourselves and set an example.
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学习雷锋精神，就是要严于律己，乐于助人。
xuéxí léifēng jīngshen, jiùshì yào yányúlǜjǐ, lèyú zhùrén。
Learning the spirit of Lei Feng is to be strict with oneself and willing to help others.