Famous leader dashing off to avoid first strike (6)
I believe the answer is:
gandhi
'famous leader' is the definition.
'gandhi' can be an answer for 'leader' (Gandhi is an example). I'm unsure of the 'famous' bit.
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gandhi that I've seen before include "Indian nationalist and spiritual leader" , "popular leader" , "Leader of Indian independence movement" , "Peaceful protester" , "Peacemaker" .)