do as I say

Idioms  

1. Obey my instructions, as in Never mind about the other mothers—you do as I say. This admonitory order is sometimes followed by a self-deprecating phrase, Do as I say, not as I do, meaning “don't imitate my behavior but obey my instructions.” This order first appeared in John Selden's Table-Talk (c. 1654): “Preachers say, 'Do as I say, not as I do.'”

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Example Sentences

“If I had run away from it, it would be, “Do as I say, not as I did.’”

From Los Angeles Times

"This domestic programme is not just essential to our economy but to restoring our international credibility... we are ending our diplomacy of 'do as I say, not as I do'," he said.

From BBC

“I am not going to be the ‘Do as I say’ doctor,” she said before meeting a transgender patient last week for a telehealth appointment.

From Los Angeles Times

“Do as I say, not as I do,” as the adage goes.

From Washington Post

Based on the inspector general’s findings, that statement was an example of “do as I say, not as I do.”

From Washington Post