When we say "follow suit," we mean to imitate or replicate a certain behavior or course of action taken by someone else. In phonetic symbols, this phrase is represented as /ˈfɑləʊ sut/, where the first syllable rhymes with "halo" and the second syllable sounds like "soot." The word "suit" refers to one of the four sets of playing cards, and the phrase likely originated in reference to playing a card game where players are required to play a card of the same suit as the one played by the previous player.
The phrase "follow suit" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the world of card games, particularly in games like bridge and poker. When a player plays a card of a certain suit, other players are required to play a card of the same suit if they have one in their hand. Hence, "follow suit" means to play a card of the same suit as the one previously played.
However, "follow suit" has transcended its literal meaning and is widely used in various contexts today. Figuratively, it refers to the act of imitating or copying someone's actions or decisions. It implies conforming to a prevailing pattern or adopting a similar approach in a given situation.
The phrase is often used to describe someone who mimics someone else's behavior, idea, or style. It can also refer to following a course of action established by others or adhering to the same principles or rules. In a broader sense, "follow suit" can denote aligning oneself with the opinions or practices of a group or a leader.
Overall, the term "follow suit" evolved from its original card game context to convey the idea of imitation or conformity, essentially suggesting that an individual is replicating the actions, behavior, or mindset of another person or group.
The phrase "follow suit" originates from the game of cards, particularly in relation to trick-taking games like Bridge or Whist. The term "suit" in this context refers to the four sets of cards in a standard deck: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit contains cards numbered from 2 to 10, along with the face cards: jack, queen, king, and ace.
When it is your turn to play a card in such a game, you are generally required to match the suit of the card that was led by the player before you, if you possess any cards of that suit. This action of playing a card of the same suit is known as "following suit".
Over time, the phrase "follow suit" extended beyond the realm of card games and began to be adopted in a broader sense, referring to the act of emulating or imitating others.