do as I say

Idioms and Phrases

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.'”