🗣️ Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Follow my advice but not my example. Although the idea is undoubtedly older, this specific phrase first appeared in print in 1654: “Preachers say, do as I say, not as I do” (John Selden, Table-Talk: Preaching). Parents have been saying it to children ever since.
🎭 Definitions
- Idiom: This phrase means that one should heed someone’s words and instructions but not necessarily mimic their actions.
- Literal Interpretation: Doing what’s advised, but acknowledging the advisor doesn’t follow their own guidance.
🎭 Similar Terms
- “Practice what you preach” (often used as an antonym)
- “Lead by example”
- “Actions speak louder than words”
🗣 Common Phrases & Expressions
- “Talk the talk, but not walk the walk”
- “Preach water, drink wine”
- “Hypocrite in training”
🌟 Inspirational Quote
“Hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo.” – Ambrose Bierce
📚 Literature & More!
Books:
- The Hypocrite in Society by W. Spencer Admin
- Animal Farm by George Orwell — Not pure hypocrites, but them pigs sure are double-standard kinds
Movies:
- Liar Liar (1997) — A tale where truth causes trouble but points out ironic double standards.
- Catch Me If You Can (2002) — A glimpse into living a life of many acts.
🎤 Songs
- “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson — Examining the self before lecturing others.
- “Hypocrisy” by Skepticism — This one might be a bit heavy on the ears (and heart) with its truthful lyrics!
❤️ Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, while it’s always easy to advise others on the “right path,” it’s one’s actions that indeed light the way. Hence, blend words with deeds and wisdom with action to illuminate the highest virtue!
### Which of these idioms suggests similar advice to 'Do as I say, not as I do'?
- [ ] Leading by following
- [ ] Check yourself before you wreck yourself
- [ ] Save the whales, shave your heads
- [x] Practice what you preach
> **Explanation:** "Practice what you preach" is a commonly known idiom urging people to follow their advice, an antonym of "do as I say, not as I do".
### Which phrase suggests parental hypocrisy?
- [x] Do as I say, not as I do
- [ ] Two heads are better than one
- [ ] The early bird catches the worm
- [ ] There's no such thing as a free lunch
> **Explanation:** "Do as I say, not as I do" perfectly encapsulates the dichotomy of telling others to follow advice that one personally does not set as an example.
### True or False: 'Do as I say, not as I do' appeared first in the 17th century.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! The phrase was first recorded in John Selden’s *Table-Talk: Preaching* in 1654.
### Which expression suggests a tendency to give others advice while not following it yourself?
- [ ] Bite the bullet
- [ ] Cool as a cucumber
- [x] Do as I say, not as I do
- [ ] Hit the nail on the head
> **Explanation:** "Do as I say, not as I do" hints at a double standard approach providing advice you don’t follow yourself.
