yǐ以useshēn身bodyzuò作makezé则example
To lead by example; to set an example with one's own conduct.
Literal meaning
use (以) — body (身) — make (作) — example (则)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of personal example.
Examples
lǎo老shī师yīng应gāi该yǐ以shēn身zuò作zé则，gěi给xué学sheng生shù树lì立bǎng榜yàng样。
Teachers should lead by example and set a good example for students.
fù父mǔ母yīng应gāi该yǐ以shēn身zuò作zé则，jiào教yù育hái孩zi子。
Parents should lead by example to educate their children.
Usage & nuances
Emphasizes the importance of personal conduct in influencing others.
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