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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Praise useful habits, describe imitation, and recognize when copying someone is a warning.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “take a page from someone’s book” is to copy something that person does. It is often advice to imitate a useful method or good behavior, but adding “don’t” can warn someone not to follow a bad example. The source also notes “borrow” or “tear a page” variations and the related sports phrase “take a page from someone’s playbook.”
Cultural note: The expression can praise learning from someone or criticize copying. “Tear a page from someone’s book” may sound playful or accusatory depending on context. For a neutral professional tone, say “learn from” or “adopt the approach.”
Keep exploringSomeone else’s habits can be a useful model—or a warning. Learn how one book metaphor can do both.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recommend a method or habit that has worked well for someone.
Meaning
Do something in a similar way to another person, often by following a useful example.
Tone & use
Can be advice to copy someone’s good method or a description of imitation. The context and tone show whether it is praise or criticism.
Example
“The new coach took a page from her predecessor’s book and began each practice with a short team check-in.”
Meaning
Use a tactic or approach that another person or team uses.
Tone & use
A sports-based variation. “Playbook” refers to a collection of planned plays or strategies.
Example
“The organizers took a page from the festival’s playbook and opened a second entrance.”
Distinguish neutral imitation from learning with judgment.
Meaning
Use an idea or approach similar to one another person uses.
Tone & use
A variation of “take a page from someone’s book.” “Borrow” can sound less direct about copying.
Example
“We borrowed a page from the library’s plan and added clearer signs to our event.”
Meaning
Copy something another person does; it can suggest the copying is unwelcome.
Tone & use
A variation used in the source’s example of someone copying a friend’s recipe. It may sound accusatory.
Example
“He started using her presentation format without asking, and she felt he had torn a page from her book.”
Meaning
Try to match someone’s achievements, behavior, or methods.
Tone & use
More formal than “copy.” It often suggests admiration and an effort to achieve similar success, not exact duplication.
Example
“The young designer hopes to emulate her mentor’s curiosity and attention to detail.”
Knowledge check
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