make an example of

Punish someone so as to be a warning to others, as in The teacher made an example of the boy she caught cheating, or The judge imposed a tough sentence to make an example of the car thieves. This usage is first recorded in John Wycliffe's followers' translation of the Bible (c. 1382).

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Example Sentences

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They've come to LA, with its large Latino and Asian immigrant communities, carrying assault weapons and wearing masks, to make an example of the already stressed city, which is still recovering from an epic natural disaster.

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But Trump is going to laser-focus on those few to make an example of this city, and to increase his own power.

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In the letter, he said left-wing activists wanted to make an example of Kirk.

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Wilson said left-wing activists wanted to make an example of Kirk, and he accused Luna of betraying his own deputy by sending his underlings to the FBI with a request the agency investigate Kirk.

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Since then, the Trump administration seems to be trying to make an example of the state—cutting off federal funding where it can.

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make an end of make an exception

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