example

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a good example is the best sermon

proverb One's actions or behavior can teach more effectively than a lecture. Children will learn good behavior much more efficiently if they see it practiced regularly by their parents. A good example is the best sermon, after all. I guess a good example really is the best sermon, because everyone is talking about how the politician cycles to work each day and drinks out of reusable water bottles. It's becoming downright trendy. Ray's always eaten a very healthy diet, just like his dad. It's true what they say—a good example is the best sermon.

be a shining example (of someone or something)

To be an excellent or ideal example of someone or something. My sister is a shining example of a successful businesswoman—she even has her own company now.

example is better than precept

proverb One's actions can teach more effectively than a lecture. If your students seem board, keep in mind that example is better than precept. Of course your kids won't listen if you always just try to tell them what to do. Example is better than precept, after all.

follow the example of

To do something that another person is doing. Growing up, I really tried not to follow the example of my older brother, as he was always getting into trouble. I try to follow the example of Mother Teresa and treat all people with kindness.

for example

A phrase used before the speaker gives a specific example to further explain or illustrate what they are referring to. You should bring something in case you get cold on the plane, like a sweater or scarf, for example.

hold (someone or something) up as an example

To focus on someone or something as exemplary or ideal in some way. Hey, Little Miss Perfect—it's really annoying how Mom and Dad always hold you up as an example.

make an example (out) of (one)

To punish one harshly so that others will avoid committing the same offense in order to avoid such punishment. The judge was known to make an example of certain criminals by handing out severe sentences. Miss Johnson made an example of out Timmy when he started talking during the presentation, and everybody else was dead silent afterward.

set a bad example

To do something or act in a way others should not emulate; to act as a poor model for others. John, please don't curse like that when you're angry—it sets a bad example for the kids. Don't set a bad example for my employees by arriving late to work or avoiding problems when they arise.

set a good example

To do something or act in a way others will or should emulate; to act as a positive model for others. John, please don't curse like that when you're angry—you need to set a good example for the kids. I try to set a good example for my employees by always arriving to work on time, replying to emails and phone calls promptly, and taking care of problems as they arise.

set an example

To do something or act in a way others will or should emulate; to act as a model for others, good or ill. John, please don't curse like that when you're angry—it sets a bad example for the kids. I try to set an example for my employees by always arriving to work on time, replying to emails and phone calls promptly, and taking care of problems as they arise.

textbook example (of something)

A clear and characteristic instance, example, or demonstration of something. This entire project was a textbook example of mismanagement, from its troubled beginnings to its bungled execution. All of the symptoms you've described present a textbook example of dissociative identity disorder.

Example is better than precept.

Prov. You will teach people more effectively by being a good example than you will by telling them what to do. Mother never lectured us; she just tried her best to be a good person, and we tried hard to be like her. She was living proof that example is better than precept.

hold someone or something up as an example

Fig. to single out someone or something as a person or thing worthy of imitation. No one has ever held me up as an example. Jane held up Doris as an example. I hate to hold myself up as an example, but if you would do what I do, at least I wouldn't criticize you.

make an example of someone

to do something to someone that shows the bad results of bad behavior; to point to someone as a bad example. The judge said that he would make an example of Sally and would fine her the maximum amount. The teacher made an example of me to the class, with a detention on the first day of school.

for example

Also, for instance. As an illustration of something, as in Dress casually, in blue jeans, for example, or This program has problems-for instance, it's hard to retrieve lost data. The first expression, which dates from the late 1500s, is used throughout this book to illustrate how an idiom is used. The variant dates from the mid-1600s.

make an example of

Punish someone so as to be a warning to others, as in The teacher made an example of the boy she caught cheating, or The judge imposed a tough sentence to make an example of the car thieves. This usage is first recorded in John Wycliffe's followers' translation of the Bible (c. 1382).

set an example

Also, set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations. [Late 1700s]

make an eˈxample of somebody

punish somebody severely for a mistake, crime, etc. so that others will be less likely to do wrong: The judge decided to make an example of the leaders of the riot in order to prevent other disturbances.

See also: an, example, make, of, somebody

set (somebody) an eˈxample

set (somebody) a good, bad, etc. eˈxample

show a standard of work or behaviour for others to follow or copy; show a good, bad, etc. model for others: She sets us all an example (= a good example). ♢ You shouldn’t use bad language in front of your children — it sets a bad example.

be a shining eˈxample (of somebody/something)

(also be a shining ˈlight) be a very good example of somebody/something, which other people can follow or copy: Their friends think Phillip and Joan are a shining example of a happily married couple. ♢ His books on grammar are a shining light in a very difficult and confused field.

for example

As an illustrative instance: Wear something simple; for example, a skirt and blouse.