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

"I would be lying if I said the thought of a mini-me was purely exciting and not without… challenges. Let’s just say, I’m hoping you’ll do as I say, not as I do," he says.

From Fox News • Aug. 30, 2021

Contra Dan Quayle, Murphy Brown may be a great role model, but Murphy Brown is very do as I say, not as I do.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2018

Yet despite that trend, Davis wanted to be clear that golf in general, to put it crudely, needs to do as I say not as I do.

From Golf Digest • Jun. 17, 2017

This "do as I say, not as I do" stuff needs to end.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2014

“If something happens and I need your help, you’ll do as I say and you’ll help me, right, kiddo?”

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone