imitate a bad example; follow suit
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to knowingly imitate another's mistake or bad behavior; to follow a bad example
formalTypically used in formal or written contexts. Most commonly appears in the set phrase 以儆效尤 (to punish as a warning to others). Carries a negative connotation.
Yǐ以
jǐng儆
xiào效
yóu尤
This serves as a warning to deter others from following suit.
Duì对
yú于
zhè这
zhǒng种
bù不
liáng良
fēng风
qì气
，
wǒ我
men们
jué绝
bù不
néng能
xiào效
yóu尤
。
We must never follow suit with this kind of unhealthy trend.
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Tā他
míng明
zhī知
zhè这
shì是
wéi违
fǎ法
xíng行
wéi为
，
què却
rěng仍
rán然
xiào效
yóu尤
tā他
rén人
de的
cuò错
wù误
。
He knew full well this was illegal, yet he still imitated the mistakes of others.
Yán严
jìn禁
mó模
fǎng仿
fàn犯
zuì罪
，
wéi违
zhě者
jiāng将
yán严
chéng惩
yǐ以
jǐng儆
xiào效
yóu尤
。
Imitating crimes is strictly prohibited; violators will be severely punished as a warning to others.