CHENGYU
一马当先(yī mǎ dāng xiān)meaning, story and origin
- Register:
- neutral, approving
- Source:
- 明·施耐庵《水浒传》
MEANING
- Literal
- to ride one's horse at the very front
- Figurative meaning
- to lead the way; to take the lead
ORIGIN STORY
In Water Margin, a hero "raced down the mountain on his horse at the head of the line, like the sky falling and the earth splitting". The image of the foremost rider became the phrase for leading the charge.
NATURAL EQUIVALENT
“to lead the charge”
EXAMPLES
比赛中，他总是一马当先。Bǐsài zhōng, tā zǒng shì yī mǎ dāng xiān.HSK6
In every race he rides at the head of the field.
总经理一马当先，带头加班赶进度。Zǒngjīnglǐ yī mǎ dāng xiān, dàitóu jiābān gǎn jìndù.HSK6
The general manager leads the way, working overtime to meet the deadline.
COMMON MISTAKE
Watch out: It is about leading a group into action — not just being first in a list.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
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TRUST & SOURCES
- Reviewed by
- AI-assisted editorial review
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-15
- CC-CEDICT 2026-01-01