What does “Holier-than-thou” mean?
"Holier-than-thou" means acting morally superior to others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She always has a holier-than-thou attitude, thinking she's better than everyone else.
Example
He's constantly preaching about his healthy lifestyle, always coming off as holier-than-thou.
Example
The politician's holier-than-thou stance on corruption is hypocritical, considering his own scandals
Is “Holier-than-thou” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Holier-than-thou” 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 “Holier-than-thou” effectively in context?
You can use "Holier-than-thou" to describe someone who consistently acts morally superior to others, often with a judgmental or condescending attitude. It's important to note that this phrase has a negative connotation and is typically used to criticize or express annoyance towards someone's behavior. For example, if someone is constantly bragging about their accomplishments and looking down on others, you might say, 'She always has a holier-than-thou attitude, thinking she's better than everyone else.'
- 1Social Interactions
He's constantly preaching about his healthy lifestyle, always coming off as holier-than-thou.
- 2Politics
The politician's holier-than-thou stance on corruption is hypocritical, considering his own scandals.
- 3Religion
She criticizes others for not following her strict religious practices, displaying a holier-than-thou attitude.
Similar phrases to “Holier-than-thou”:
Showing excessive religious devotion or self-righteousness
Example
He's always talking about his religious practices, coming off as pious.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Holier-than-thou” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Holier-than-thou" is derived from a biblical reference. It comes from a passage in the Bible where Jesus criticizes religious leaders for their hypocritical behavior. The phrase implies someone who acts morally superior to others, often with a judgmental or condescending attitude.
Is “Holier-than-thou” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Holier-than-thou" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize someone who acts morally superior to others or to express annoyance towards someone's judgmental behavior.
What tone does “Holier-than-thou” have?
"Holier-than-thou" conveys a tone of criticism and annoyance. It's often used to express frustration with someone who acts self-righteous or judgmental towards others.
Can “Holier-than-thou” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Holier-than-thou" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations to criticize someone's behavior. In formal settings, it may be used to discuss hypocritical attitudes or behaviors in a more professional context.
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, 'She always has a holier-than-thou attitude, thinking she's better than everyone else.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be so "holier-than-thou"!' to imply disapproval of someone's judgmental behavior.
