hold (someone or something) up as an 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. My parents have been married over 50 years, which is why we hold them up as an example of true love. Yeah, I've had some success in life, but don't hold me up as an example—I've made plenty of mistakes too.

See also: an, example, hold, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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.

See also: an, example, hold, up

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.