practice what one preaches; lead by personal example
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to practice what one preaches; to lead by personal example; to personally carry out what one advocates
formalUsed to describe someone who not only advocates certain principles or ideas but also personally practices them. Often used in formal contexts or to praise leaders, teachers, or role models who set a good example through their actions.
Zuò作
wéi为
lǐng领
dǎo导
，
tā他
yīng应
gāi该
shēn身
tǐ体
lì力
xíng行
，
wèi为
yuán员
gōng工
shù树
lì立
bǎng榜
yàng样
。
As a leader, he should practice what he preaches and set an example for his employees.
Huán环
bǎo保
bù不
néng能
zhǐ只
shì是
kǒu口
hào号
，
xū需
yào要
wǒ我
men们
shēn身
tǐ体
lì力
xíng行
qù去
shí实
jiàn践
。
Environmental protection cannot just be a slogan; it requires us to personally practice what we preach.
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Tā他
yī一
xiàng向
chàng倡
dǎo导
jiàn健
kāng康
shēng生
huó活
，
zì自
jǐ己
yě也
shēn身
tǐ体
lì力
xíng行
，
měi每
tiān天
zǎo早
qǐ起
duàn锻
liàn炼
。
He has always advocated for healthy living and personally leads by example, getting up early to exercise every day.
Kǒng孔
zǐ子
bù不
jǐn仅
yán言
chuán传
，
gèng更
zhòng重
shēn身
jiào教
，
yāo要
qiú求
dì弟
zǐ子
shēn身
tǐ体
lì力
xíng行
。
Confucius not only taught through words but also emphasized personal example, requiring his disciples to practice what they learned.