“Practice what you preach”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means to act in accordance with the advice or principles that one advocates for others.
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Where it comes from
The phrase likely derives from religious contexts, where it was important for religious leaders to follow the teachings they preached to their followers.
Examples
- If you tell your children to be honest, make sure you practice what you preach and are honest with them too.
- He always advises others to take care of their health, but he should practice what he preaches and start exercising himself.
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