modeling

model (oneself or something) on (someone or something else)

To use something or someone as the basis, inspiration, or example for how something or oneself should be. They're modeling the experimental plan on similar systems already being used to great effect in Norway and Sweden. I've always tried to model myself on Albert Einstein in how I organize my life and work.

See also: model, on, something

model (someone or something) in (something)

To create a model figure of some person or thing in a given substance or medium. The artist models various characters from literature, film, and pop culture in scrap metal he collects from the junkyard at the edge of town. We'll model you with clay, and then use that model to create the statue.

See also: model

model (something) after (something else)

To use something as the template or model for the way in which something else is created or developed. The mayor's ambitious social security plan is modeled after a similar system already in place in Sweden. You can model your lesson plans after ones from previous teachers.

See also: after, model

model (something) on (something else)

To use something as the template or model for the way in which something else is created or developed. The mayor's ambitious social security plan is modeled after a similar system already in place in Sweden. You can model your lesson plans after ones from previous teachers.

See also: model, on

role model

1. noun A person whose behavior, critical thinking, decisions, etc., is held up as an ideal example for one to emulate. The athlete has striven to serve as a role model to the young people in his community who look up to him.

2. verb To demonstrate the correct behavior, critical thinking, decisions, etc., for someone else to emulate. As a parent, it's extremely important to role model the ways we want our children to handle negative emotions. You're the leader of this company. If you're not role modeling the right kind of behavior in the office, then who will?

See also: model, role

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

role model

An individual whose behavior serves as an exemplar to others. This expression, dating from the second half of the 1900s, alludes to acting out parts in a theatrical production. It appeared in the New York Times Magazine (June 26, 1977): “If the teacher was a ‘role model’ parents were obviously unaware of it.”

See also: model, role

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer