follow-my-leader: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “follow-my-leader” mean?
A children's game where participants imitate the actions of a leader in a line.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A children's game where participants imitate the actions of a leader in a line.
A situation where people uncritically imitate or obey a leader without independent thought; blind conformity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'follow-my-leader' is predominantly British. The game is more commonly known as 'follow the leader' in American English.
Connotations
In British usage, it can carry a slightly nostalgic or whimsical connotation when referring to the game. The metaphorical use may imply gentle criticism.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary American English; the British form is recognized but not standard.
Grammar
How to Use “follow-my-leader” in a Sentence
play [follow-my-leader]be like [follow-my-leader]descend into [follow-my-leader]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “follow-my-leader” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The follow-my-leader dynamic in the committee was stifling.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe a market where companies slavishly copy a trendsetter's strategy.
Academic
Appears in sociology or psychology texts discussing group dynamics and conformity.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used to refer to the children's game.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “follow-my-leader”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “follow-my-leader”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “follow-my-leader”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They follow-my-leadered').
- Hyphenating incorrectly (e.g., 'follow my leader').
- Using it in formal writing without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a compound noun. You cannot say 'to follow-my-leader' someone.
The game is almost universally called 'follow the leader' (without hyphens) in American English.
When referring to the children's game, it is neutral or positive. Its metaphorical use for adult behavior is almost always negative, implying a lack of critical thought.
As a compound noun, it is generally treated as uncountable when referring to the game or the concept (e.g., 'too much follow-my-leader'). You can pluralize it as 'games of follow-my-leader'.
A children's game where participants imitate the actions of a leader in a line.
Follow-my-leader is usually informal, literary in register.
Follow-my-leader: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɒləʊ maɪ ˈliːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɑloʊ maɪ ˈlidər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just follow-my-leader.”
- “The meeting turned into a session of follow-my-leader.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a line of ducklings FOLLOWing their mother (the LEADER) – FOLLOW-MY-LEADER.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IS A CHILDREN'S GAME.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'follow-my-leader' the standard term for the children's game?