Contents
This reference provides insights into the idiomatic phrase “follow suit,” including its meaning, examples, and alternative expressions. You’ll explore how to use “follow suit” in daily conversations and statements, helping you grasp its significance in communicating effectively. Engaging with this reference will help you understand how “follow suit” is applied in various contexts and communication styles.
Follow Suit Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The idiomatic phrase “follow suit” means to follow someone else’s lead in a situation and perform the same actions they have done in the same given situation.
Follow Suit Meaning
“Follow suit” means to imitate or do the same thing as someone else, particularly in terms of behavior or actions. It originates from card games, where players must “follow suit” by playing a card of the same suit as the one led. In everyday usage, it refers to following an example set by others.
For example:
- “After seeing her coworkers start working longer hours, she decided to follow suit and do the same.”
- “When one company lowered its prices, the competitors quickly followed suit.”
It emphasizes copying or following a precedent.
Origin of this Idiom
This phrase dates back to the 1800s when the playing of card games was a popular past time. In a standard deck of playing cards, there are four suits. These four suits are hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades. Most card games require that the players follow suit of the plays that were made before their turn. The phrase became widely used sine then to describe situations where people followed the lead of others.
Usage of “Follow Suit”
In a business context:
- “When the leading company launched its new product, the others quickly followed suit with similar versions.”
In everyday decision-making:
- “After John decided to skip the meeting, several other team members followed suit and didn’t attend either.”
In personal behavior:
- “Seeing that her friend started volunteering, she decided to follow suit and sign up to help as well.”
In trends or social settings:
- “When one person started clapping, the rest of the audience followed suit.”
Related Terms to “Follow Suit”
- Go with the flow – To adapt to the situation or follow what others are doing without resistance.
- Copycat – Someone who imitates another’s actions or ideas.
- Jump on the bandwagon – To join others in doing something popular or trending.
- Imitate – To mimic or replicate someone else’s actions.
- Emulate – To strive to match or surpass someone’s behavior or achievements, often with admiration.
- Take a cue from – To use someone else’s actions or decisions as a guide for your own.
- Follow in someone’s footsteps – To follow someone’s example, particularly in career or life choices.
Other Ways to Say “Follow Suit”
Like most idiomatic phrases, there are numerous ways to say “follow suit” in more literal terms. Other things you could say to convey the same meaning include I am going to also, I am too or I am also going to do the same thing.
“Follow Suit” synonyms list:
- Do the same thing
- Follow this example
- Copy
- Do likewise
- Do that
“Follow Suit” Examples
Examples in Statements
A local newspaper story on an inner city school having issues controlling their student body.
- “A new program was introduced to the school today and a group of select students was chosen to participate in the program. School authorities hope that, through their example, the remainder of the student body will follow suit.”
A statement made by the coach of the local high school football team after winning the state championship.
- “We just won the state championship game! We hope that our other high school sport’s teams will follow suit.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between two co-workers regarding another co-worker.
- Co-worker 1: Susan says she is going to leave early again so she doesn’t miss her son’s hockey game tonight.
- Co-worker 2: If she leaves early again, I am going to follow suit.
- Co-worker 1: Me too!
A conversation between two friends at lunch.
- Friend 1: They have nachos in the cafeteria today. I am going to get some.
- Friend 2: I am going to follow suit.
More useful examples:
- Efforts to persuade the remainder to follow suit have continued.
- Other companies that produce site blocking software are expected to follow suit.
- The federal government fears that other states are likely to follow suit.
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