make an example of

Idioms

Punish someone so as to be a warning to others, as in The teacher made an example of the boy she caught cheating, or The judge imposed a tough sentence to make an example of the car thieves. This usage is first recorded in John Wycliffe's followers' translation of the Bible (c. 1382).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was clear prosecutors sought to make an example of her and send a message that no one is above the law when it comes to insider trading.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

The coach did not make an example of Vinicius, and instead restored his near untouchable status -- even through a run of 16 matches without scoring, which finally ended in Jeddah.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Attorney Jeanine Pirro tried to make an example of him by charging him with felony assault of a federal officer.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2025

Ursula Jones Dickson had previously warned that the announced stand down in San Francisco could be a sign the administration was looking to focus on Oakland instead — and make an example of it.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2025

She would like to make an example of certain people.

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023