subordinates follow the bad example of superiors; imitate above
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
subordinates follow the bad example set by their superiors; those below imitate those above (often referring to bad behavior)
Typically used to describe how negative behavior by those in higher positions is imitated by those below them. Although the structure is neutral, the usage is predominantly negative.
Lǐng领
dǎo导
tān贪
wū污
shòu受
huì贿
，
xià下
shǔ属
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
zhěng整
gè个
dān单
wèi位
dōu都
fǔ腐
bài败
le了
。
The leaders were corrupt and took bribes, and their subordinates followed their bad example, so the whole unit became rotten.
Jiā家
zhǎng长
yán言
xíng行
bù不
yī一
，
hái孩
zi子
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
yě也
huì会
yǎng养
chéng成
huài坏
xí习
guàn惯
。
If parents do not practice what they preach, children will follow their example and develop bad habits.
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Rú如
guǒ果
lǎo老
shī师
jīng经
cháng常
chí迟
dào到
，
xué学
shēng生
yě也
huì会
shàng上
xíng行
xià下
xiào效
，
bù不
zūn遵
shǒu守
jì纪
lǜ律
。
If teachers are often late, students will follow that bad example and not observe discipline.