What does “Practise what you preach” mean?
"Practise what you preach" means to follow the advice or principles that you give to others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always tells his employees to work hard, but he never practices what he preaches.
Example
She's always telling her friends to eat healthy, but she never practices what she preaches.
Example
The politician constantly talks about honesty and integrity, but he rarely practices what he preaches
Is “Practise what you preach” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Practise what you preach” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Practise what you preach” effectively in context?
You can use "Practise what you preach" to emphasize the importance of living by the values and principles that one advocates for. It highlights the need for consistency between one's words and actions. For example, if someone is always giving advice on being honest but is caught lying, you might say, 'You should practise what you preach.'
- 1Personal Integrity
He always tells others to be kind, but he needs to practise what he preaches and show kindness himself.
- 2Parenting
If you want your children to be respectful, you should practise what you preach and treat them with respect.
- 3Leadership
To gain the trust of their team, leaders must practise what they preach and demonstrate the values they promote.
Similar phrases to “Practise what you preach”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Practise what you preach” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Practise what you preach" is unknown.
Is “Practise what you preach” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Practise what you preach" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to remind someone to align their actions with their words and to lead by example.
What tone does “Practise what you preach” have?
"Practise what you preach" conveys a tone of admonishment or reminder. It is often used to point out hypocrisy or to encourage someone to be consistent in their beliefs and actions.
Can “Practise what you preach” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Practise what you preach" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that emphasizes the importance of integrity and consistency. You can use it in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or even in written communication.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'If you want others to trust you, you need to practise what you preach.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "practise what you preach"!' to imply the need for consistency.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- walk the talk
- lead by example
- do as you say
- back up your words with actions
- be consistent in your beliefs and actions
Antonyms
- hypocrisy
- inconsistency
- say one thing and do another
- double standards
