English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Take a leaf out of someone’s book
Meaning
The idiom "take a leaf out of someone’s book" means to learn or copy something from someone else, usually by observing their actions or behavior. It is often used to describe an action that is taken without permission or knowledge. The idiom is derived from the literal act of taking a leaf from a book as a way to make notes or study something.
Usage
- "I always take a leaf out of my best friend's book when it comes to cooking - she has some amazing recipes!"
- "He took a leaf out of my colleague's book and started doing the same thing I was, but didn't give me any credit for it."
- "I never take a leaf out of someone else's book without asking for permission first."
- "She always takes a leaf out of her sister's book when it comes to fashion - she has some great style!"
- "He took a leaf out of my brother's book and started doing the same thing I was, but didn't give me any credit for it."
Roots and History
The idiom "take a leaf out of someone’s book" dates back to the 17th century. The earliest known use of the idiom can be found in Samuel Johnson's dictionary in 175- The idiom has been used in English literature since then, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.
Synonyms in English
- Learn from someone else
- Copy someone else's actions or behavior
- Follow in someone's footsteps
- Take advice from someone else
- Study someone else's methods
Synonyms in other languages
- (French) "prendre un mot du livre de quelqu'un" (to take a word from someone's book)
- (German) "ein Blick auf etwas ganz anderes nehmen" (to take a look at something else entirely)
- (Spanish) "tomar una hoja de alguien" (to take a leaf from someone)
- (Italian) "prendere un motto dalla testa di qualcuno" (to take a word from someone's mouth)
- (Arabic) "نفعل ما تَفَقَّهُ البَابَ" (to do what the others are doing)