What does “Sweep before your own door.” mean?
"Sweep before your own door" means that before criticizing others or pointing out their faults, one should first make sure that their own actions and behavior are in order.
What context can I use the in?
Example
You shouldn't be telling others how to live their lives when you can't even take care of your own responsibilities. Sweep before your own door.
Example
Before you start judging others, make sure you have your own affairs in order. Sweep before your own door.
Example
Instead of criticizing others, focus on improving yourself first. Remember, *sweep before your own door.
Is “Sweep before your own door.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sweep before your own door.” 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 “Sweep before your own door.” effectively in context?
You can use "Sweep before your own door" to remind someone to focus on their own actions and behavior before criticizing others. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal responsibility. For example, if a friend is quick to judge others, you might say, 'Before you start pointing fingers, make sure you sweep before your own door.'
- 1Personal Responsibility
Instead of blaming others for your problems, take a look at yourself and sweep before your own door.
- 2Conflict Resolution
Before getting involved in an argument, it's important to consider your own actions and sweep before your own door.
- 3Self-Improvement
If you want to grow as a person, focus on your own flaws and sweep before your own door.
Similar phrases to “Sweep before your own door.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sweep before your own door.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sweep before your own door" is unknown.
Is “Sweep before your own door.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Sweep before your own door" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other well-known proverbs. However, it is still used occasionally, especially in situations where personal responsibility and self-reflection are emphasized.
What tone does “Sweep before your own door.” have?
"Sweep before your own door" conveys a tone of introspection and personal accountability. It encourages individuals to look inward and take ownership of their actions before passing judgment on others.
Can “Sweep before your own door.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Sweep before your own door" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that promotes self-reflection and personal responsibility, which can be relevant in various contexts. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, presentations, or written essays.
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, 'Before criticizing others, remember to sweep before your own door.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "sweep before your own door"!' to imply the need for self-reflection.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- take care of your own business
- mind your own business
- put your own house in order
- fix your own problems
- sort out your own issues
Antonyms
- judge others freely
- ignore personal responsibility
- blame others without self-reflection
- point fingers without self-improvement
- criticize without looking inward
