Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
make-an-example-of-someone
idiom
/meɪk ən ɪgˈzɛmpəl əv ˈsʌmwʌn/
Definition
To punish or treat someone harshly as a warning or lesson to others.
Examples
- After the scandal, the company decided to make an example of the employee to show that unethical behavior will not be tolerated.
- The coach made an example of the player who came late to practice by leaving him out of the starting lineup.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the act of showing the consequences of someone’s actions to deter others from similar behavior.
Synonyms
- punish
- set a precedent
- serve as a warning
- deterrent
