copy-book
Definition
- Noun:
- A book of models for imitation: "copy-book" refers to a book containing examples of handwriting, typically used by students to practice penmanship by copying the letters or words.
- A collection of standard examples: It can also mean a book of moral sayings, proverbs, or verses intended for educational copying or as a source of conventional wisdom.
Usage Examples
- (A practice book for handwriting.)
- (Standard, clichéd moral sayings from a copy-book.)
Advanced Usage
- "to blot one's copy-book": To spoil one's good record or reputation through a mistake or wrongdoing.
- He blotted his copy-book by arriving late to the important meeting. (He damaged his reputation by being late.)
- "copy-book morals": Conventional, often trite moral principles.
- The politician's copy-book morals sounded insincere to the audience. (Standard but unoriginal moral teachings.)
Variants and Related Words
- Copybook (adj): used to describe something that is exactly as it should be; perfect or exemplary.
- The pilot made a copybook landing in bad weather. (A perfect, textbook landing.)
- Copy (n): a thing made to be similar or identical to another.
- Book (n): a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side.
Synonyms
- Handwriting manual: a guide for teaching penmanship.
- Exercise book: a book of blank pages for writing practice.
- Primer: a beginner's textbook.
Related Idioms
- "Copybook heading": A standard or conventional title or opening.
- The essay began with a copybook heading like "The Importance of Education." (A predictable, clichéd title.)
- "Copybook maxim": A proverbial saying often found in copy-books.
- "Honesty is the best policy" is a copybook maxim. (A conventional moral saying.)