make an example of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make an example of’ mean?
The idiom "make an example of" means to punish or discipline someone as a warning or deterrent to others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "read someone the riot act" is used to describe when someone is given a stern warning or reprimanded for their behavior or actions.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
The idiom "put to the test" means to evaluate or assess something or someone to determine their capabilities or suitability in a specific situation or challenge.
The idiom "poke someone's eye out" means to physically harm or injure someone by poking their eye with force. It is often used figuratively to warn against the potential consequences of reckless actions or careless behavior.
The idiom "make the best of" means to accept a difficult or unfavorable situation and try to make it as positive or beneficial as possible.
The idiom *make strange* refers to the act of behaving in an unfriendly or unfamiliar way towards someone. It suggests a change in one's attitude or demeanor towards another person, often leading to a strained or awkward relationship.
The idiom "make shit of" means to completely ruin or destroy something, often through careless or reckless actions.
The idiom "make one's mark" means to make a significant impact or achieve success in a particular field or endeavor.
The idiom "make news" means to create or generate significant attention, publicity, or interest in a particular event, situation, or person.
The idiom "make light of" means to minimize or downplay the importance or seriousness of something.
Unveiling the Hidden Power
The idiom "make an example of" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means to punish someone in order to discourage others from making the same mistake. This concept is similar to other idioms, such as "make fun of," "make an ass of," and "make a mockery of," which all involve using someone or something as a way to send a message or create a deterrent.
The idiom "make fun of" is used when someone is being mocked or ridiculed. It involves making jokes or negative comments about someone or something, often in a mean-spirited or hurtful way. However, "make an example of" focuses more on punishment and consequences rather than making fun of someone.
On the other hand, "make an ass of" refers to someone behaving foolishly or making themselves look silly. It implies that someone is embarrassing themselves and becoming an object of ridicule. While there may be some overlap with the concept of "making an example of," the focus of "make an ass of" is primarily on personal humiliation rather than deterring others from similar behavior.
Similarly, "make a mockery of" involves treating something or someone with contempt or disrespect, often by making a joke or parody of them. While "make an example of" can also involve exposing someone's wrongdoing and holding them accountable, the emphasis is more on the punishment and discouragement of others rather than making a mockery of the person or situation.
Overall, these idioms all have the common thread of using someone or something as a way to send a message or create a deterrent. Whether it's through punishment, ridicule, or humiliation, the goal is to prevent others from making the same mistake or engaging in similar behavior. While each idiom has its own nuances and variations, they all share the underlying purpose of teaching a lesson and discouraging undesirable actions.
Understanding the meanings and nuances of these idioms can help us navigate conversations and understand the underlying messages being conveyed. They provide insight into the ways in which language is used to communicate ideas and shape social norms. By being aware of these idioms and their related concepts, we can better comprehend and participate in the rich tapestry of language and culture.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make an example of" can be used in a sentence:
- When the teacher caught a student cheating on the test, she decided to make an example of him by giving him a failing grade in front of the entire class.
- After a series of employee thefts, the company decided to make an example of one of the culprits by pressing charges and publicly firing them.
- When the principal found out about a group of students bullying another student, she made an example of the ringleader by suspending him and organizing an anti-bullying campaign.
More "Exemplification" idioms
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