The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" implies that someone should follow instructions or advice given but not necessarily mimic the behavior or actions of the person giving the advice. It's often used when someone's behavior doesn't align with the advice they are giving.
In short:
"Do as I say, not as I do" suggests that the adviser's actions contradict their words.
The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" is a common saying that is often used to describe a situation where someone is telling someone else to do something that they themselves are not doing. It implies that the person realizes that their actions may not serve as a good example, and they want the listener to follow their words, not their behavior.
Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:
This phrase can be traced back to John Selden's "Table Talk," which was published in 1654. It's an old English proverb that has been passed down through generations and continues to be used in modern English.
"Do as I say, not as I do. But if a physician had the same disease upon him that I have, and he should bid me do one thing, and he do quite another; could I believe him?"
- Scots Magazine, and Edinburgh Literary Miscellany, 1810
Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:
The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" appears in various forms of media, particularly when a character's actions contradict their words.
Some examples include:
There aren't many alternatives to "do as I say, not as I do" that carry the exact same meaning, but here are some phrases that convey the same idea.
The idiom "do as I say, not as I do" is used when someone advises another to follow their instructions, not their actions, usually because their actions do not align with the advice they are giving.
You can use this idiom in a sentence when you are advising someone to do something, but your own actions contradict this advice. For example, "I know I don't always take my own advice, so do as I say, not as I do."
The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" can be traced back to John Selden's "Table-Talk," which was published in 1654.
Yes, this idiom can be used in both informal and formal written communication, including emails, novels, essays, and reports.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is a universally understood phrase in English-speaking regions. It is used widely without any significant regional differences.
Yes, anyone can use this idiom in conversation. However, the phrase is typically used in contexts where one person is giving advice or instructions to another.
Yes, it can be used in the context of a group. For example, "The leaders of the company had a 'do as I say, not as I do' attitude."
No, this idiom is not typically used to express understanding. It is used to highlight a discrepancy between words and actions.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is a confession of personal hypocrisy, while "practice what you preach" is typically used to criticize someone else's hypocrisy.
Yes, but it's usually used to point out hypocrisy, so it should be used with caution in professional contexts.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is a phrase that highlights hypocrisy. People use it in situations where someone's actions contradict the advice or instructions they are giving to others.
Key aspects of the phrase:
Remember that while this idiom is a useful tool for highlighting hypocrisy, it also admits to personal inconsistencies, which can potentially undermine credibility in certain situations.
