以儆效尤 (yǐ jǐng xiào yóu) — to make an example of somebody to warn others; (as a) warning to all
Definition
Classical four-character idiom meaning to punish one person harshly so others won't dare follow. Always used in formal, written Chinese — typically in legal, corporate, or official contexts.
verb
to make an example of somebody to warn others(as a) warning to all
Examples
- ，以儆效尤。Gōng sī jué dìng yán lì chǔ fá tā, yǐ jǐng xiào yóu.The company decided to punish him severely as a warning to others.
- ，以儆效尤。Fǎ yuàn duì zhè míng guān yuán cóng zhòng pàn xíng, yǐ jǐng xiào yóu.The court gave the official a heavy sentence to serve as a deterrent.
- ，以儆效尤。Xué xiào tōng bào pī píng le zuò bì de xué shēng, yǐ jǐng xiào yóu.The school publicly criticized the cheating students to warn others.
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