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kill the chicken to scare the monkey
kill the chicken to scare the monkey
01
used to convey the idea of making an example of someone to deter others from misbehaving
Proverb
What is the origin of the proverb "kill the chicken to scare the monkey" and when to use it?
The origin of the proverb "kill the chicken to scare the monkey" is believed to come from Chinese culture. It highlights the use of fear or punishment as a method of maintaining control or discipline. While it conveys the power of making an example out of someone, it also serves as a reminder of the potential cruelty or unfairness in such tactics, as the punishment may not be proportional to the offense.
Examples
The coach punished the entire team for the actions of a few players, using the tactic of kill the chicken to scare the monkey to ensure that everyone followed the rules.
