以儆效尤
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This is a four-character idiom (成语, chéngyǔ). '以' means 'in order to' or 'so as to', '儆' means 'to warn', '效' means 'to imitate' or 'to follow', and '尤' means 'fault' or 'transgression'. Together, it describes an action taken to deter others from committing similar mistakes or crimes.
Sample sentences
对这种贪污腐败分子，必须严惩不贷，以儆效尤。
Corrupt officials like this must be severely punished without leniency, to serve as a warning to others.
学校决定开除这名作弊学生，以儆效尤，杜绝类似行为。
The school decided to expel this cheating student to serve as a warning to others and prevent similar behavior.
法院判处他死刑，正是为了以儆效尤，维护社会正义。
The court sentenced him to death precisely to deter others from similar crimes and uphold social justice.
Quick facts
Often used with
Mnemonic
Sign in for a creative sound-alike story that makes "以儆效尤" unforgettable 🧠
Get an AI-generated memory hook for 以儆效尤 — a vivid scene that locks the word in your brain 🧠
Example
对这种贪污腐败分子，必须严惩不贷，以儆效尤。
Corrupt officials like this must be severely punished without leniency, to serve as a warning to others.
学校决定开除这名作弊学生，以儆效尤，杜绝类似行为。
The school decided to expel this cheating student to serve as a warning to others and prevent similar behavior.
Sign in for AI-generated examples tailored to your level ✨