What does “Clean hands” mean?
"Clean hands" means that someone is not involved in any wrongdoing or illegal activities.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He has clean hands and is not implicated in the scandal.
Example
The company wants to hire someone with clean hands to avoid any legal issues.
Example
The politician claims to have clean hands and denies any involvement in corruption
Is “Clean hands” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Clean hands” 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 “Clean hands” effectively in context?
You can use "Clean hands" to describe someone who is not involved in any wrongdoing or illegal activities. It emphasizes their innocence and lack of guilt. For example, if a friend is accused of stealing, but you know they are innocent, you might say, 'Don't worry, he has clean hands and is not involved in the theft.'
- 1Legal Matters
The lawyer advised his client to find a witness with clean hands to strengthen their case.
- 2Hiring Process
The company wants to hire someone with clean hands to avoid any legal issues.
- 3Political Allegations
The politician claims to have clean hands and denies any involvement in corruption.
Similar phrases to “Clean hands”:
Not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
Example
He was proven innocent and released from prison.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Clean hands” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Clean hands" is unknown.
Is “Clean hands” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Clean hands" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to assert someone's innocence or lack of involvement in wrongdoing.
What tone does “Clean hands” have?
"Clean hands" conveys a tone of trustworthiness and integrity. It is used to describe someone who is honest and free from guilt.
Can “Clean hands” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "clean hands" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as legal matters, business, or politics. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations like meetings, interviews, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He has clean hands and is not implicated in the scandal.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I have clean hands' to assert one's innocence.
