make an example of [sb]v exprverbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end."
(punish [sb] in public to deter others)
杀鸡儆猴 shā jī jǐng hóu
杀一儆百 shā yī jǐng bǎi
Whenever I misbehaved in class the teacher made an example of me by keeping me behind after school.