set an example

Idioms  

1. Also,. Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations. [Late 1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

set an example

Gustavo Arellano writes that ‘the Dodgers need to summon the moral courage of their past and once again set an example others can follow.’

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026

"What you've done is set an example about helping out. That's the thing," Prince William told Greg.

From BBC ● Mar. 17, 2026

“The accolades were never the endgame. She wanted to put food on the table and set an example for her family and race,” said Andre Jones, one of her grandsons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 26, 2026

To me, a Midwestern kid familiar with winter winds dragging their fangs across her face, Mary’s upright spine and sure gait set an example worth heeding.

From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2026

"Yeah, I thought coaches were supposed to set an example," said Lu.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds