What is the idiom for the situation “If people-in-authority don't follow their own set rules then what can one expect from rest of us” [on hold]

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What is the idiom for a situation that "If people-in-authority don't follow their own set rules, then what can one expect from rest of us" in similar examples given below in different settings:

When HR themselves are tardy, undisciplined then what can you expect from the employees (punctuality and discipline)?

When traffic police themselves are offending (driving without belts, smoking while driving) what can you expect from the vehicle driving community in the city?

When parents themselves are undisciplined (smoking in front of children), what can you expect from the children themselves?

When the management is insincere, what can you expect from their staff?

expressions idioms

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edited 2 days ago

Kevin

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Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

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  The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 9:34
  

  
  
  
  


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  or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
  – jsotola
  2 days ago
  
  

  
  
  
  


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  Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
  – ruakh
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  @jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
  – Flater
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


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  When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
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up vote
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What is the idiom for a situation that "If people-in-authority don't follow their own set rules, then what can one expect from rest of us" in similar examples given below in different settings:

When HR themselves are tardy, undisciplined then what can you expect from the employees (punctuality and discipline)?

When traffic police themselves are offending (driving without belts, smoking while driving) what can you expect from the vehicle driving community in the city?

When parents themselves are undisciplined (smoking in front of children), what can you expect from the children themselves?

When the management is insincere, what can you expect from their staff?

expressions idioms

share|improve this question

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

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asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

put on hold as too broad by MetaEd♦ 23 hours ago

Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

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  The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 9:34
  

  
  
  
  


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  or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
  – jsotola
  2 days ago
  
  

  
  
  
  


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  Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
  – ruakh
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  @jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
  – Flater
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


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  When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
  – MetaEd♦
  23 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
23
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up vote
23
down vote

favorite

3

3

What is the idiom for a situation that "If people-in-authority don't follow their own set rules, then what can one expect from rest of us" in similar examples given below in different settings:

When HR themselves are tardy, undisciplined then what can you expect from the employees (punctuality and discipline)?

When traffic police themselves are offending (driving without belts, smoking while driving) what can you expect from the vehicle driving community in the city?

When parents themselves are undisciplined (smoking in front of children), what can you expect from the children themselves?

When the management is insincere, what can you expect from their staff?

expressions idioms

share|improve this question

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

What is the idiom for a situation that "If people-in-authority don't follow their own set rules, then what can one expect from rest of us" in similar examples given below in different settings:

When HR themselves are tardy, undisciplined then what can you expect from the employees (punctuality and discipline)?

When traffic police themselves are offending (driving without belts, smoking while driving) what can you expect from the vehicle driving community in the city?

When parents themselves are undisciplined (smoking in front of children), what can you expect from the children themselves?

When the management is insincere, what can you expect from their staff?

expressions idioms

expressions idioms

share|improve this question

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

share|improve this question

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

share|improve this question

share|improve this question

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

edited 2 days ago

Kevin

5,86232139

5,86232139

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

asked Sep 9 at 5:42

AMN

8041516

8041516

put on hold as too broad by MetaEd♦ 23 hours ago

Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

put on hold as too broad by MetaEd♦ 23 hours ago

Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 9:34
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
  – jsotola
  2 days ago
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
  – ruakh
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
  – Flater
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
  – MetaEd♦
  23 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 9:34
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
  – jsotola
  2 days ago
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
  – ruakh
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
  – Flater
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
  – MetaEd♦
  23 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  

1

1

The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
– RemarkLima
Sep 9 at 9:34

The general comment is often "do as I say, not as I do!" when parents are telling their children how to behave...
– RemarkLima
Sep 9 at 9:34

1

1

or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
– jsotola
2 days ago

or the old If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? .... or Monkey see, monkey do! Don't be a monkey!
– jsotola
2 days ago

Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
– ruakh
2 days ago

Somewhat related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/392311/…
– ruakh
2 days ago

@jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
– Flater
yesterday

@jsotola This is now the goto answer to the "if all your friends" question.
– Flater
yesterday

When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
– MetaEd♦
23 hours ago

When a word or phrase request attracts a long list of ideas, that is a clear signal that either the criteria are unclear or the question is being taken as more of a poll or request for a list of things, neither of which are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. The word request must be narrow and specific enough that it has one clearly correct answer. It must for example identify the desired connotation, register, and part of speech, and the context in which the word or phrase is to be used.
– MetaEd♦
23 hours ago

add a comment | 

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accepted

Do as I say, not as I do

Model yourself after my instructions, not my actions. The phrase implies that the speaker is imperfect and makes mistakes, so one should follow their advice but not imitate them. My dad, a big smoker, always told me not to smoke. "Do as I say, not as I do," he used to say.

Better quote:

Prov. Take my advice, even though I am acting contrary to it. (Sometimes used as an apology for behaving hypocritically.) Jill: Why are you walking on the grass when I told you not to? Jane: But you're walking on the grass. Jill: Do as I say, not as I do.

free dictionary

Generally, in British English, this is always used from either a superior point of view, as a reply to a comment about how the figure of authority is doing something they've told people not to do... Or it's used as a pejorative term from those below the person who is "doing", often with sarcasm:

So it's a case of "Do as I say, not as I do" then is it?

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edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

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  I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
  – aroth
  Sep 9 at 11:58
  
  

  
  
  
  


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  I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
  – Ronnie Childs
  Sep 9 at 12:15
  

  
  
  
  


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  It's still hypocrisy, either way...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 12:27
  

  
  
  
  


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  @RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
  – Ian Goldby
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
  – RemarkLima
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

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up vote
54
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While not an exact fit (because it doesn't necessarily involve figures of authority), what about the following:

If they don't practice what they preach why should we?

from def:

To do the things that you advise other people to do:

He's such a hypocrite! He never practises what he preaches.

(Cambridge)

Also, while not an idiom, hypocrite fits as well.

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edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

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answered 2 days ago

niall

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  probably one of the best answers!
  – Fattie
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
  – pipe
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

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A “double standard” might be the appropriate term.

a rule or standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve but other people are not:

as in:

• The governor is being accused of (having) double standards in being tough on law and order yet allowing his own cabinet members to escape prosecution for fraud.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

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edited 2 days ago

user070221

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answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

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  Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
  – Barmar
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

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"Lead by example," is a common phrase - often used in management training. The idea is that underlings will emulate the behavior of their perceived superiors in matters of dress and decorum in a particular setting. It worked better in the days before "sensitivity training".

(M-W)

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edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

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answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

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  @user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
  – Oldbag
  Sep 9 at 12:33
  

  
  
  
  


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  If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
  – user070221
  Sep 9 at 12:37
  

  
  
  
  


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  I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
  – V2Blast
  Sep 9 at 16:42
  

  
  
  
  


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  @Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
  – Kjeld Schmidt
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
  – Vicky
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

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16
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Set a bad example is an expression you may use.

set an example:

set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in

• Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations/. [Late 1700s]

(AHD)

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edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

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The more colloquial idiom would be "Sauce for the Goose, is sauce for the Gander"

That is, rules that apply to those under authority must also apply to those in authority. Or, rules that apply to me must also apply to you.

All the other phrases are correct as well. A common idea with many expressions.

Another expression of this from US Colonial times:

"The Law condemns the man or woman

Who steals the goose from off the Common

But lets the greater villain loose,

Who steals the Common from the goose."

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answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

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  I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
  – Belgabad
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


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  @Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
  – PLL
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  @PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
  – Belgabad
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


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  From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
  – Jeff Lambert
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


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  @JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
  – Anentropic
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I don't think there's an exact idiom but a character in a Shakespeare play sums up what you were trying to express:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede.

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answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

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  This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
  – Chappo
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

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up vote
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Perhaps you can say

HR has an attitude of "rules for thee, but not for me".

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answered 2 days ago

sme

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  See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
  – Chronocidal
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

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a fish rots from the head down

When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.

It's more on a leadership, but I believe it could do.

Examples:

1. The company was bound to be closed sooner or later considering the kind of mangers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down after all.


2. A leader has to be of a strong will and good character otherwise as it is said, the fish rots from the head down. The whole organization would then have to suffer because of it.


3. His maid servant doesn’t do anything as asked for. But the fish rots from the head down, look at how unorganized his own life is.

Source: theidioms.com

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answered yesterday

Ister

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My favourite idiom that I believe is applicable here is Physician heal thyself

The moral of the proverb is counsel to attend to one's own defects rather than criticizing defects in others

Also loosely related: First remove the log from your own eye

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye,
and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

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answered yesterday

kolossus

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That's rich, HR complaining about my punctuality.
That's rich, the traffic police telling me to use a belt.

From Urban Dictionary :

that's rich

when someone criticizes you for something that they themselves do.

when someone has the audacity to reprimand you when they are much worse than you.

Tony: Dude, you were wrong for standing up Kesley the other night.

John: Yet you're engaged yet you're f***ing two of your fiancee's best friends! That's rich, bro. Real f***ing rich.

[...]

by mizzraynay June 29, 2006

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answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

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11 Answers
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11 Answers
11

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active

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active

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24
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accepted

Do as I say, not as I do

Model yourself after my instructions, not my actions. The phrase implies that the speaker is imperfect and makes mistakes, so one should follow their advice but not imitate them. My dad, a big smoker, always told me not to smoke. "Do as I say, not as I do," he used to say.

Better quote:

Prov. Take my advice, even though I am acting contrary to it. (Sometimes used as an apology for behaving hypocritically.) Jill: Why are you walking on the grass when I told you not to? Jane: But you're walking on the grass. Jill: Do as I say, not as I do.

free dictionary

Generally, in British English, this is always used from either a superior point of view, as a reply to a comment about how the figure of authority is doing something they've told people not to do... Or it's used as a pejorative term from those below the person who is "doing", often with sarcasm:

So it's a case of "Do as I say, not as I do" then is it?

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

• 
  
  
  

  
  13
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
  – aroth
  Sep 9 at 11:58
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  4
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
  – Ronnie Childs
  Sep 9 at 12:15
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  It's still hypocrisy, either way...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 12:27
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
  – Ian Goldby
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
  – RemarkLima
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
24
down vote



accepted

Do as I say, not as I do

Model yourself after my instructions, not my actions. The phrase implies that the speaker is imperfect and makes mistakes, so one should follow their advice but not imitate them. My dad, a big smoker, always told me not to smoke. "Do as I say, not as I do," he used to say.

Better quote:

Prov. Take my advice, even though I am acting contrary to it. (Sometimes used as an apology for behaving hypocritically.) Jill: Why are you walking on the grass when I told you not to? Jane: But you're walking on the grass. Jill: Do as I say, not as I do.

free dictionary

Generally, in British English, this is always used from either a superior point of view, as a reply to a comment about how the figure of authority is doing something they've told people not to do... Or it's used as a pejorative term from those below the person who is "doing", often with sarcasm:

So it's a case of "Do as I say, not as I do" then is it?

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

• 
  
  
  

  
  13
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
  – aroth
  Sep 9 at 11:58
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  4
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
  – Ronnie Childs
  Sep 9 at 12:15
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  It's still hypocrisy, either way...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 12:27
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
  – Ian Goldby
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
  – RemarkLima
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
24
down vote



accepted

up vote
24
down vote



accepted

Do as I say, not as I do

Model yourself after my instructions, not my actions. The phrase implies that the speaker is imperfect and makes mistakes, so one should follow their advice but not imitate them. My dad, a big smoker, always told me not to smoke. "Do as I say, not as I do," he used to say.

Better quote:

Prov. Take my advice, even though I am acting contrary to it. (Sometimes used as an apology for behaving hypocritically.) Jill: Why are you walking on the grass when I told you not to? Jane: But you're walking on the grass. Jill: Do as I say, not as I do.

free dictionary

Generally, in British English, this is always used from either a superior point of view, as a reply to a comment about how the figure of authority is doing something they've told people not to do... Or it's used as a pejorative term from those below the person who is "doing", often with sarcasm:

So it's a case of "Do as I say, not as I do" then is it?

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

Do as I say, not as I do

Model yourself after my instructions, not my actions. The phrase implies that the speaker is imperfect and makes mistakes, so one should follow their advice but not imitate them. My dad, a big smoker, always told me not to smoke. "Do as I say, not as I do," he used to say.

Better quote:

Prov. Take my advice, even though I am acting contrary to it. (Sometimes used as an apology for behaving hypocritically.) Jill: Why are you walking on the grass when I told you not to? Jane: But you're walking on the grass. Jill: Do as I say, not as I do.

free dictionary

Generally, in British English, this is always used from either a superior point of view, as a reply to a comment about how the figure of authority is doing something they've told people not to do... Or it's used as a pejorative term from those below the person who is "doing", often with sarcasm:

So it's a case of "Do as I say, not as I do" then is it?

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

edited 2 days ago

edited 2 days ago

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

answered Sep 9 at 9:36

RemarkLima

1,4921915

1,4921915

• 
  
  
  

  
  13
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
  – aroth
  Sep 9 at 11:58
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  4
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
  – Ronnie Childs
  Sep 9 at 12:15
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  It's still hypocrisy, either way...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 12:27
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
  – Ian Goldby
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
  – RemarkLima
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  13
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
  – aroth
  Sep 9 at 11:58
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  4
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
  – Ronnie Childs
  Sep 9 at 12:15
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  It's still hypocrisy, either way...
  – RemarkLima
  Sep 9 at 12:27
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
  – Ian Goldby
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
  – RemarkLima
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

13

13

I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
– aroth
Sep 9 at 11:58

I don't think this quite captures the desired tenor. The implication in the OP is that the people breaking the rules can't/shouldn't expect anyone else to follow them; basically that through their actions the person in the position of authority has ceded their authority. This expression doesn't seem to capture this, at least not in the context of the example provided (where the advice being given is actually sound, due to factual health-related things that stand independently of any 'rules').
– aroth
Sep 9 at 11:58

4

4

I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
– Ronnie Childs
Sep 9 at 12:15

I agree with you 100%. In fact, it's almost opposite.
– Ronnie Childs
Sep 9 at 12:15

1

1

It's still hypocrisy, either way...
– RemarkLima
Sep 9 at 12:27

It's still hypocrisy, either way...
– RemarkLima
Sep 9 at 12:27

2

2

@RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
– Ian Goldby
2 days ago

@RemarkLima If you are honest about your double standards then it's not hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ('play acting') involves presenting a false impression of yourself and misleading people.
– Ian Goldby
2 days ago

1

1

OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
– RemarkLima
2 days ago

OK, in that case, double standards. Which, IMHO is frowned on the same as hypocrisy :-)
– RemarkLima
2 days ago

add a comment | 

up vote
54
down vote

While not an exact fit (because it doesn't necessarily involve figures of authority), what about the following:

If they don't practice what they preach why should we?

from def:

To do the things that you advise other people to do:

He's such a hypocrite! He never practises what he preaches.

(Cambridge)

Also, while not an idiom, hypocrite fits as well.

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  probably one of the best answers!
  – Fattie
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
  – pipe
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
54
down vote

While not an exact fit (because it doesn't necessarily involve figures of authority), what about the following:

If they don't practice what they preach why should we?

from def:

To do the things that you advise other people to do:

He's such a hypocrite! He never practises what he preaches.

(Cambridge)

Also, while not an idiom, hypocrite fits as well.

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  probably one of the best answers!
  – Fattie
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
  – pipe
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
54
down vote

up vote
54
down vote

While not an exact fit (because it doesn't necessarily involve figures of authority), what about the following:

If they don't practice what they preach why should we?

from def:

To do the things that you advise other people to do:

He's such a hypocrite! He never practises what he preaches.

(Cambridge)

Also, while not an idiom, hypocrite fits as well.

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

While not an exact fit (because it doesn't necessarily involve figures of authority), what about the following:

If they don't practice what they preach why should we?

from def:

To do the things that you advise other people to do:

He's such a hypocrite! He never practises what he preaches.

(Cambridge)

Also, while not an idiom, hypocrite fits as well.

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

edited 2 days ago

Marthaª

26.8k885143

26.8k885143

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

answered 2 days ago

niall

511113

511113

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

New contributor

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

niall is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  probably one of the best answers!
  – Fattie
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
  – pipe
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  probably one of the best answers!
  – Fattie
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
  – pipe
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

probably one of the best answers!
– Fattie
2 days ago

probably one of the best answers!
– Fattie
2 days ago

I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
– pipe
yesterday

I definitely think this involves figures of authority. The one who preaches is most typically the preacher, the moral and often de facto leader in a community.
– pipe
yesterday

add a comment | 

up vote
35
down vote

A “double standard” might be the appropriate term.

a rule or standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve but other people are not:

as in:

• The governor is being accused of (having) double standards in being tough on law and order yet allowing his own cabinet members to escape prosecution for fraud.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
  – Barmar
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
35
down vote

A “double standard” might be the appropriate term.

a rule or standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve but other people are not:

as in:

• The governor is being accused of (having) double standards in being tough on law and order yet allowing his own cabinet members to escape prosecution for fraud.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
  – Barmar
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
35
down vote

up vote
35
down vote

A “double standard” might be the appropriate term.

a rule or standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve but other people are not:

as in:

• The governor is being accused of (having) double standards in being tough on law and order yet allowing his own cabinet members to escape prosecution for fraud.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

A “double standard” might be the appropriate term.

a rule or standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve but other people are not:

as in:

• The governor is being accused of (having) double standards in being tough on law and order yet allowing his own cabinet members to escape prosecution for fraud.

(Cambridge Dictionary)

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

edited 2 days ago

user070221

18.7k851121

18.7k851121

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

answered 2 days ago

SnazzPants

30113

30113

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

New contributor

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

SnazzPants is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
  – Barmar
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
  – Barmar
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
– Barmar
yesterday

Double standard is a bit more general than this. It's also a double standard if you have different rules for men versus woman, for instance.
– Barmar
yesterday

add a comment | 

up vote
23
down vote

"Lead by example," is a common phrase - often used in management training. The idea is that underlings will emulate the behavior of their perceived superiors in matters of dress and decorum in a particular setting. It worked better in the days before "sensitivity training".

(M-W)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
  – Oldbag
  Sep 9 at 12:33
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
  – user070221
  Sep 9 at 12:37
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  5
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
  – V2Blast
  Sep 9 at 16:42
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
  – Kjeld Schmidt
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
  – Vicky
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 7 more comments

up vote
23
down vote

"Lead by example," is a common phrase - often used in management training. The idea is that underlings will emulate the behavior of their perceived superiors in matters of dress and decorum in a particular setting. It worked better in the days before "sensitivity training".

(M-W)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
  – Oldbag
  Sep 9 at 12:33
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
  – user070221
  Sep 9 at 12:37
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  5
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
  – V2Blast
  Sep 9 at 16:42
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
  – Kjeld Schmidt
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
  – Vicky
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 7 more comments

up vote
23
down vote

up vote
23
down vote

"Lead by example," is a common phrase - often used in management training. The idea is that underlings will emulate the behavior of their perceived superiors in matters of dress and decorum in a particular setting. It worked better in the days before "sensitivity training".

(M-W)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

"Lead by example," is a common phrase - often used in management training. The idea is that underlings will emulate the behavior of their perceived superiors in matters of dress and decorum in a particular setting. It worked better in the days before "sensitivity training".

(M-W)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

edited Sep 9 at 11:53

user070221

18.7k851121

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

answered Sep 9 at 9:06

Oldbag

11.9k1236

11.9k1236

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
  – Oldbag
  Sep 9 at 12:33
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
  – user070221
  Sep 9 at 12:37
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  5
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
  – V2Blast
  Sep 9 at 16:42
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
  – Kjeld Schmidt
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
  – Vicky
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

 | 
show 7 more comments

• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
  – Oldbag
  Sep 9 at 12:33
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
  – user070221
  Sep 9 at 12:37
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  5
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
  – V2Blast
  Sep 9 at 16:42
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  3
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
  – Kjeld Schmidt
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
  – Vicky
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

@user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
– Oldbag
Sep 9 at 12:33

@user070221 - Thanks for the edit. (Besides not knowing how to do research, I have a mortal fear of plagiarizing.)
– Oldbag
Sep 9 at 12:33

2

2

If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
– user070221
Sep 9 at 12:37

If you provide a link and say where it comes from, I doubt you may be accused of plagiarism.
– user070221
Sep 9 at 12:37

5

5

I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
– V2Blast
Sep 9 at 16:42

I'm confused by your last sentence and what it's supposed to imply.
– V2Blast
Sep 9 at 16:42

3

3

@Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
– Kjeld Schmidt
2 days ago

@Oldbag Why? I too can, at best, take wild guesses as to what you mean. It would be great if you could elaborate.
– Kjeld Schmidt
2 days ago

1

1

Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
– Vicky
2 days ago

Another vote for confusion at your last sentence. The answer is otherwise good.
– Vicky
2 days ago

 | 
show 7 more comments

up vote
16
down vote

Set a bad example is an expression you may use.

set an example:

set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in

• Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations/. [Late 1700s]

(AHD)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

add a comment | 

up vote
16
down vote

Set a bad example is an expression you may use.

set an example:

set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in

• Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations/. [Late 1700s]

(AHD)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

add a comment | 

up vote
16
down vote

up vote
16
down vote

Set a bad example is an expression you may use.

set an example:

set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in

• Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations/. [Late 1700s]

(AHD)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

Set a bad example is an expression you may use.

set an example:

set a good or bad example . Behave in a way that should (or will) be imitated, as in

• Dad was always telling Bill to set a good example for his younger brother, or They were afraid of setting a bad example for the other nations/. [Late 1700s]

(AHD)

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

edited Sep 9 at 6:22

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

answered Sep 9 at 6:15

user070221

18.7k851121

18.7k851121

add a comment | 

add a comment | 

up vote
13
down vote

The more colloquial idiom would be "Sauce for the Goose, is sauce for the Gander"

That is, rules that apply to those under authority must also apply to those in authority. Or, rules that apply to me must also apply to you.

All the other phrases are correct as well. A common idea with many expressions.

Another expression of this from US Colonial times:

"The Law condemns the man or woman

Who steals the goose from off the Common

But lets the greater villain loose,

Who steals the Common from the goose."

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

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VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
  – Belgabad
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
  – PLL
  yesterday
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
  – Belgabad
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  10
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
  – Jeff Lambert
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
  – Anentropic
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
13
down vote

The more colloquial idiom would be "Sauce for the Goose, is sauce for the Gander"

That is, rules that apply to those under authority must also apply to those in authority. Or, rules that apply to me must also apply to you.

All the other phrases are correct as well. A common idea with many expressions.

Another expression of this from US Colonial times:

"The Law condemns the man or woman

Who steals the goose from off the Common

But lets the greater villain loose,

Who steals the Common from the goose."

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

New contributor

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
  – Belgabad
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
  – PLL
  yesterday
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
  – Belgabad
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  10
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
  – Jeff Lambert
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
  – Anentropic
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
13
down vote

up vote
13
down vote

The more colloquial idiom would be "Sauce for the Goose, is sauce for the Gander"

That is, rules that apply to those under authority must also apply to those in authority. Or, rules that apply to me must also apply to you.

All the other phrases are correct as well. A common idea with many expressions.

Another expression of this from US Colonial times:

"The Law condemns the man or woman

Who steals the goose from off the Common

But lets the greater villain loose,

Who steals the Common from the goose."

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

New contributor

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

The more colloquial idiom would be "Sauce for the Goose, is sauce for the Gander"

That is, rules that apply to those under authority must also apply to those in authority. Or, rules that apply to me must also apply to you.

All the other phrases are correct as well. A common idea with many expressions.

Another expression of this from US Colonial times:

"The Law condemns the man or woman

Who steals the goose from off the Common

But lets the greater villain loose,

Who steals the Common from the goose."

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

New contributor

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

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VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

answered 2 days ago

VWFeature

1312

1312

New contributor

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

New contributor

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

VWFeature is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
  – Belgabad
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
  – PLL
  yesterday
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
  – Belgabad
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  10
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
  – Jeff Lambert
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
  – Anentropic
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
  – Belgabad
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
  – PLL
  yesterday
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
  – Belgabad
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  10
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
  – Jeff Lambert
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  @JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
  – Anentropic
  yesterday
  

  
  
  
  

1

1

I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
– Belgabad
2 days ago

I've never heard this expression before (which certainly doesn't mean it's not a valid answer). What part of the world is this used in?
– Belgabad
2 days ago

@Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
– PLL
yesterday

@Belgabad: As someone who grew up in the UK in the 80’s/90’s, this expression comes very naturally to me — I’d think of it as very common but perhaps a little old fashioned. It was my first thought for the question too — it’s not quite as specific as what the question asks for, but it fits an aspect which most other answers miss, in that it describes not just the double standard itself, but the response of flouting the double standard.
– PLL
yesterday

@PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
– Belgabad
yesterday

@PLL I grew up in the United States, so if that's a UK specific expression, that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day :D
– Belgabad
yesterday

10

10

From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
– Jeff Lambert
yesterday

From the US, my experience is the variant What's good for the goose is good for the gander is what is used, I've never heard this one with sauces.
– Jeff Lambert
yesterday

@JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
– Anentropic
yesterday

@JeffLambert same here, but I'm from UK
– Anentropic
yesterday

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

I don't think there's an exact idiom but a character in a Shakespeare play sums up what you were trying to express:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede.

share|improve this answer

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

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• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
  – Chappo
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

I don't think there's an exact idiom but a character in a Shakespeare play sums up what you were trying to express:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede.

share|improve this answer

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

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Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
  – Chappo
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

up vote
2
down vote

I don't think there's an exact idiom but a character in a Shakespeare play sums up what you were trying to express:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede.

share|improve this answer

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

New contributor

Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

I don't think there's an exact idiom but a character in a Shakespeare play sums up what you were trying to express:

Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede.

share|improve this answer

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

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Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

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answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

answered Sep 9 at 18:34

Tom

1212

1212

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Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor

Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

Tom is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
  – Chappo
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
  – Chappo
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

1

1

This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
2 days ago

This is a useful post, but note that our EL&U site is devoted to detailed answers. Please cite which character and which play. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
2 days ago

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

Perhaps you can say

HR has an attitude of "rules for thee, but not for me".

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

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• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
  – Chronocidal
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

Perhaps you can say

HR has an attitude of "rules for thee, but not for me".

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

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• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
  – Chronocidal
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

up vote
2
down vote

Perhaps you can say

HR has an attitude of "rules for thee, but not for me".

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

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Perhaps you can say

HR has an attitude of "rules for thee, but not for me".

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

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sme is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

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sme is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

answered 2 days ago

sme

1212

1212

New contributor

sme is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor

sme is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

sme is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
  – Chronocidal
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  1
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
  – Chronocidal
  2 days ago
  

  
  
  
  

1

1

See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
– Chronocidal
2 days ago

See also: "One [law] for the rich, another [law] for the poor"
– Chronocidal
2 days ago

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

a fish rots from the head down

When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.

It's more on a leadership, but I believe it could do.

Examples:

1. The company was bound to be closed sooner or later considering the kind of mangers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down after all.


2. A leader has to be of a strong will and good character otherwise as it is said, the fish rots from the head down. The whole organization would then have to suffer because of it.


3. His maid servant doesn’t do anything as asked for. But the fish rots from the head down, look at how unorganized his own life is.

Source: theidioms.com

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answered yesterday

Ister

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a fish rots from the head down

When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.

It's more on a leadership, but I believe it could do.

Examples:

1. The company was bound to be closed sooner or later considering the kind of mangers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down after all.


2. A leader has to be of a strong will and good character otherwise as it is said, the fish rots from the head down. The whole organization would then have to suffer because of it.


3. His maid servant doesn’t do anything as asked for. But the fish rots from the head down, look at how unorganized his own life is.

Source: theidioms.com

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answered yesterday

Ister

1212

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Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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up vote
2
down vote

up vote
2
down vote

a fish rots from the head down

When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.

It's more on a leadership, but I believe it could do.

Examples:

1. The company was bound to be closed sooner or later considering the kind of mangers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down after all.


2. A leader has to be of a strong will and good character otherwise as it is said, the fish rots from the head down. The whole organization would then have to suffer because of it.


3. His maid servant doesn’t do anything as asked for. But the fish rots from the head down, look at how unorganized his own life is.

Source: theidioms.com

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

Ister

1212

New contributor

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

a fish rots from the head down

When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.

It's more on a leadership, but I believe it could do.

Examples:

1. The company was bound to be closed sooner or later considering the kind of mangers that they had hired. A fish rots from the head down after all.


2. A leader has to be of a strong will and good character otherwise as it is said, the fish rots from the head down. The whole organization would then have to suffer because of it.


3. His maid servant doesn’t do anything as asked for. But the fish rots from the head down, look at how unorganized his own life is.

Source: theidioms.com

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

Ister

1212

New contributor

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

Ister

1212

New contributor

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

answered yesterday

Ister

1212

answered yesterday

Ister

1212

1212

New contributor

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

New contributor

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

Ister is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

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add a comment | 

up vote
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My favourite idiom that I believe is applicable here is Physician heal thyself

The moral of the proverb is counsel to attend to one's own defects rather than criticizing defects in others

Also loosely related: First remove the log from your own eye

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye,
and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

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answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

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up vote
1
down vote

My favourite idiom that I believe is applicable here is Physician heal thyself

The moral of the proverb is counsel to attend to one's own defects rather than criticizing defects in others

Also loosely related: First remove the log from your own eye

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye,
and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

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up vote
1
down vote

up vote
1
down vote

My favourite idiom that I believe is applicable here is Physician heal thyself

The moral of the proverb is counsel to attend to one's own defects rather than criticizing defects in others

Also loosely related: First remove the log from your own eye

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye,
and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

My favourite idiom that I believe is applicable here is Physician heal thyself

The moral of the proverb is counsel to attend to one's own defects rather than criticizing defects in others

Also loosely related: First remove the log from your own eye

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye,
and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

answered yesterday

kolossus

1,685916

1,685916

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up vote
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That's rich, HR complaining about my punctuality.
That's rich, the traffic police telling me to use a belt.

From Urban Dictionary :

that's rich

when someone criticizes you for something that they themselves do.

when someone has the audacity to reprimand you when they are much worse than you.

Tony: Dude, you were wrong for standing up Kesley the other night.

John: Yet you're engaged yet you're f***ing two of your fiancee's best friends! That's rich, bro. Real f***ing rich.

[...]

by mizzraynay June 29, 2006

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answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

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up vote
1
down vote

That's rich, HR complaining about my punctuality.
That's rich, the traffic police telling me to use a belt.

From Urban Dictionary :

that's rich

when someone criticizes you for something that they themselves do.

when someone has the audacity to reprimand you when they are much worse than you.

Tony: Dude, you were wrong for standing up Kesley the other night.

John: Yet you're engaged yet you're f***ing two of your fiancee's best friends! That's rich, bro. Real f***ing rich.

[...]

by mizzraynay June 29, 2006

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answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

up vote
1
down vote

That's rich, HR complaining about my punctuality.
That's rich, the traffic police telling me to use a belt.

From Urban Dictionary :

that's rich

when someone criticizes you for something that they themselves do.

when someone has the audacity to reprimand you when they are much worse than you.

Tony: Dude, you were wrong for standing up Kesley the other night.

John: Yet you're engaged yet you're f***ing two of your fiancee's best friends! That's rich, bro. Real f***ing rich.

[...]

by mizzraynay June 29, 2006

share|improve this answer

answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

That's rich, HR complaining about my punctuality.
That's rich, the traffic police telling me to use a belt.

From Urban Dictionary :

that's rich

when someone criticizes you for something that they themselves do.

when someone has the audacity to reprimand you when they are much worse than you.

Tony: Dude, you were wrong for standing up Kesley the other night.

John: Yet you're engaged yet you're f***ing two of your fiancee's best friends! That's rich, bro. Real f***ing rich.

[...]

by mizzraynay June 29, 2006

share|improve this answer

answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

answered 23 hours ago

k1eran

18k63775

18k63775

add a comment | 

add a comment |