follow the example of

follow the example of

To do something that another person is doing. Growing up, I really tried not to follow the example of my older brother, as he was always getting into trouble. I try to follow the example of Mother Teresa and treat all people with kindness.
See also: example, follow, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • older brother
  • don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs
  • grow up
  • an old head on young shoulders
  • big brother
  • brown bread
  • older sister
  • (there's) no fool like an old fool
  • I don't buy green bananas
  • get short shrift
References in periodicals archive
"I call on the faithful to follow the example of St.
Quevedo calls on faithful 'to follow the example of Saint Camillus'
Perhaps more employers will follow the example of Princeton businesses who have taken the initiative and created Trainlink, a free bus service that connects the Princeton Junction railroad station with offices throughout College Park and the Forrestal Center.
Steady and consistent demand for Princeton office space
Or you could follow the example of Michelle Hoskins, who initially kept her business close to home by creating syrup sensations in her mother's basement.
Feeding frenzy
During the homily of his Mass of investiture it was comforting to hear Benedict acknowledge that he wants to follow the example of the Good Shepherd.
Seeds of the future: the initial Bene-dictums sounded great. But where will this new pope take us from here?
Liverpool is to follow the example of Ireland and New York and ban smoking in public places.
Voice Of The Sunday Mirror: Stub out this deadly habit
Instead, Lula should follow the example of Parana, a southern state bordering Rio Grande do Sul.
Battle of the beans: Brazil should go both ways on transgenic soy, keeping European consumers on board
As a result, other jails may follow the example of Durham Prison which launched its Substance Misuse Service for drug addicts in February.
Prison's drug unit praised
Tony Blair should follow the example of the two MEPs and see for himself the likely effect of an attack on the Iraqi people who are suffering from sanctions and the last conflict.
Letter: MEP'S visit
MERSEYSIDE is to follow the example of Finland to try to beat one of the region's biggest killer diseases.
Heart of the matter
If you really want press coverage nowadays you should follow the example of Martin Creed, winner of last year's Turner Prize (Britain's most prestigious contemporary art award, given at the Tate Gallery).
Empty gestures. (Outrage)
GERARD HOULLIER has told Robbie Fowler to follow the example of goal hero Jari Litmanen if he wants to save his Anfield career.
Football: HOULLIER: SHAPE UP ROBBIE
Still bound by a warrior mentality and suspicious of learning, the nobility, Villena suggests, rather than scorn the arts and sciences, should follow the example of the imperial court (157).
The Transforming Text: A Study of Luis de Gongora's
Gresley Rovers are backing former Scottish international John McGinlay to follow the example of Burton Albion's Nigel Clough by proving an instant hit as a manager.
McGinlay in hot-seat for Gresley
His job is to put captions under every talking head, and he should follow the example of Jesse "The Body" Ventura.
Under the Sheets
An audio tape said to have come from Ayman al-Zawahri was played on Arabic television station al-Jazeera, urging "brothers" to follow the example of the September 11 hijackers.
Terror call