take a leaf out of (someone's) book
Meaning(s)
1. imitate someone else's behaviour, especially to gain an advantage
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
he/she is very successful, I should really take a leaf out of his/her book
Analysis
'Leaves' refer to the pages in a book. If you take a leaf out of someone's book it means to imitate, copy or emulate someone in a particular way. If you take a leaf out of someone's book you behave in the way that they do. Usually, this expression refers to copying someone's good or beneficial behaviour. "You should take a leaf out of his book and start getting up earlier in the mornings." (Note: Although 'you should take a page out of his book' technically means the same thing, it is not an established idiom and so the received meaning is not the same.)
Social Examples (Basic)
- Sarah seems healthier than ever these days, I think I'll take a leaf out of her book and start going for a run first thing in the morning.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Peter had struggled to hit his sale targets for the past few months, so he took a leaf out of David's book by going on a course to improve his communication skills. It really helped him to connect better with potential clients.
- Our biggest rivals have pulled ahead of us recently thanks to the effort they make to keep staff happy and motivated. We could really take a leaf out of their book.