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.

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]

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.