What does “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” mean?
"A guilty conscience needs no accuser" means that people who have done wrong will often feel guilty and anxious even without being accused or punished.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He couldn't sleep at night because he knew he had done something wrong. A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Example
She confessed to her mistake even though no one had found out yet. She believed that a guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Example
He was constantly on edge, always worried that someone would discover his secret. He knew that *a guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Is “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” effectively in context?
You can use "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" to emphasize the idea that feeling guilty and anxious is a natural consequence of doing something wrong, even without being accused or punished. It encourages people to act with honesty and integrity to avoid this burden. For example, if a friend is considering cheating on a test, you might say, 'Remember, "a guilty conscience needs no accuser". It's better to study and do your best.'
- 1Personal Ethics
Even though no one knew about his lie, he couldn't shake off the guilt. He realized that a guilty conscience needs no accuser and decided to come clean.
- 2Relationships
She felt guilty for betraying her friend's trust, even though her friend was unaware of it. She understood that a guilty conscience needs no accuser and apologized.
- 3Workplace Integrity
He was tempted to take credit for someone else's work, but he remembered that a guilty conscience needs no accuser. He chose to be honest and give credit where it was due.
Similar phrases to “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" is unknown.
Is “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" is a well-known proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to highlight the importance of acting with integrity and avoiding actions that may lead to guilt and anxiety.
What tone does “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” have?
"A guilty conscience needs no accuser" conveys a tone of caution and moral responsibility. It suggests that one should be mindful of their actions and consider the consequences of their choices.
Can “A guilty conscience needs no accuser.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It carries a universal message about personal ethics and integrity. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He couldn't sleep at night because he knew he had done something wrong. "A guilty conscience needs no accuser."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"A guilty conscience needs no accuser"' to imply the importance of acting honestly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- guilt is its own punishment
- conscience is a stern accuser
- wrongdoing breeds guilt
- a troubled conscience is a constant companion
- guilt is a heavy burden
Antonyms
- no harm, no foul
- innocence is bliss
- ignorance is bliss
- without guilt, no burden
- a clear conscience is a blessing
