The pot calls the kettle black.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “The pot calls the kettle black.” mean?

"The pot calls the kettle black" means accusing someone of something of which the accuser is also guilty.

What context can I use the in?

Example

You're always late and you're calling me out for being late? The pot calls the kettle black.

Example

He criticized her for being lazy, but he spends all day watching TV. The pot calls the kettle black.

Example

She accused him of being a bad listener, but she never pays attention when others are talking. *The pot calls the kettle black.

Is “The pot calls the kettle black.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The pot calls the kettle black.” 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 “The pot calls the kettle black.” effectively in context?

You can use "The pot calls the kettle black" to point out hypocrisy or to accuse someone of something that they themselves are guilty of. For example, if someone criticizes you for being messy when their own room is a mess, you might say, 'Well, "the pot calls the kettle black".'

• 1. Friendship

  She accused her friend of being unreliable, but she often cancels plans herself. The pot calls the kettle black.

• 2. Workplace

  He criticized his coworker for not meeting deadlines, but he himself is always behind schedule. The pot calls the kettle black.

• 3. Politics

  The politician accused his opponent of dishonesty, but he has been involved in several scandals himself. The pot calls the kettle black.

Similar phrases to “The pot calls the kettle black.”:

Practice what you preach

To do the things that one advises or encourages others to do

Example

He always tells us to eat healthy, but he never does it himself. Practice what you preach.

Do as I say, not as I do

To expect others to follow one's instructions or advice, even if one does not follow it themselves

Example

She told her children not to smoke, but she is a smoker herself. Do as I say, not as I do.

Double standards

Applying different sets of principles or rules to different people or situations

Example

He always holds others to high standards, but he doesn't follow them himself. Double standards.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The pot calls the kettle black.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The pot calls the kettle black" is unknown.

Is “The pot calls the kettle black.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The pot calls the kettle black" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to highlight hypocrisy or to call out someone for accusing others of something they are guilty of themselves.

What tone does “The pot calls the kettle black.” have?

"The pot calls the kettle black" conveys a tone of criticism and irony. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone's actions or statements.

Can “The pot calls the kettle black.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "The pot calls the kettle black" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations among friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as debates or discussions.

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 accused me of being lazy, but "the pot calls the kettle black".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "the pot calls the kettle black"' to imply hypocrisy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• hypocrisy
• pot calling the kettle black
• two-faced
• inconsistency
• double standards

Antonyms

• consistency
• integrity
• authenticity
• walking the talk