object lesson

noun

1. a practical or concrete illustration of a principle.

object lesson

noun

1. a convincing demonstration of some principle or ideal
2. (esp formerly) a lesson in which a material object forms the basis of the teaching and is available to be inspected

Word History and Origins

Origin of object lesson¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

In many ways, the distribution of the CTC is offering an object lesson in the obstacles America faces when helping its poorest citizens.

From Time

But his lumbering lurch toward the Ted Cruz tin-foil-hat convention should instead be an object lesson for Republicans to come.

From The Daily Beast

“An object lesson in responsibility and kindness,” thinks her father.

From The Daily Beast

The past president serves as both an unlikely inspiration and negative object lesson to the current effort.

From The Daily Beast

Now, Texas is the object of economic envy and California is the object lesson, the toxic state.

From The Daily Beast

But the country is also an object lesson in the potential global impact of our interminable culture wars.

From The Daily Beast

Every time he is dressed, or sees his mother dress, he has an object-lesson in symmetrical arrangement.

From Project Gutenberg

A more ghastly sight, or an object-lesson of more potency, could scarcely be imagined.

From Project Gutenberg

Now he was up and about, cheerful and sunny, but a serious object lesson to the lion hunters bound for the lair of the lion.

From Project Gutenberg

An incubator about hatching time is a wonderful object lesson in teaching the story of life.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile, among the German people the object lesson of the Italian war had greatly stimulated the sentiment of national unity.

From Project Gutenberg