身先士卒 lead from the front
Explanation
作战时将领亲自带头，冲在士兵前面。现在也用来比喻领导带头，走在群众前面。
In battle, the commander personally leads the way, charging ahead of the soldiers. Now, it is also used to describe a leader taking the initiative and being at the forefront of the masses.
Origin Story
1883年，法国军队入侵中国越南地区，老将冯子材奉命率军驻守镇南关。面对装备精良的法军，冯子材毫不畏惧，积极备战，决心与镇南关共存亡。他身先士卒，与士兵们一起奋勇杀敌，最终取得了镇南关大捷，狠狠打击了侵略者的嚣张气焰。冯子材的英勇事迹，成为了后人学习的榜样，他身先士卒的精神，激励着一代又一代的中国军人英勇战斗，保卫祖国。这场战役中，冯子材不仅展现了卓越的军事才能，更重要的是体现了他爱国爱民，勇于担当的优秀品质。在危急关头，他能够挺身而出，与士兵们同甘共苦，共同战胜敌人，这种精神值得我们永远学习和铭记。
In 1883, French troops invaded the Vietnamese region of China, and veteran General Feng Zicai was ordered to defend Zhennanguan. Facing well-equipped French troops, Feng Zicai was unafraid, actively preparing for war, and determined to share the fate of Zhennanguan. He led from the front, fighting bravely alongside his soldiers, ultimately achieving a great victory at Zhennanguan, which dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the invaders. Feng Zicai's heroic deeds became an example for future generations. His spirit of leading from the front inspired generation after generation of Chinese soldiers to fight bravely and defend their motherland. In this battle, Feng Zicai not only demonstrated outstanding military talent, but more importantly, his patriotism, love for the people, and excellent qualities of courage and responsibility. At the critical moment, he was able to stand up, share weal and woe with his soldiers, and together defeat the enemy. This spirit is worth learning and remembering forever.
Usage
作谓语、定语；指带头；多用于领导、将领。
As predicate or attributive; refers to leading; mostly used for leaders and commanders.
Examples
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将军身先士卒，冲锋陷阵，鼓舞了士气。
jiāngjūn shēn xiānshì zú, chōngfēng xiàn zhèn, gǔwǔ le shìqì.
The general led from the front, charging into battle and boosting morale.
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在抗洪抢险中，党员干部身先士卒，奋战在第一线。
zài kànghóng qiǎngxiǎn zhōng, diǎngyuán gànbù shēn xiānshì zú, fènzhàn zài dì yīxiàn.
In the flood control and disaster relief efforts, Party members and cadres led from the front, fighting on the front lines.
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领导身先士卒，带头开展工作，大家都很感动。
lǐngdǎo shēn xiānshì zú, dàítóu kāizhǎn gōngzuò, dàjiā dōu hěn gǎndòng
The leaders led by example, taking the initiative in the work, which moved everyone deeply.