What does “Wash your hands of something” mean?
"Wash your hands of something" means to disassociate yourself from a situation or responsibility and refuse to be involved in it any longer.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the argument, he decided to wash his hands of the project.
Example
She finally washed her hands of the toxic friendship.
Example
The company decided to wash their hands of the controversial product
Is “Wash your hands of something” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wash your hands of something” 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 “Wash your hands of something” effectively in context?
You can use "Wash Your Hands of (Something)" when you want to express your desire to disassociate yourself from a situation or responsibility. It implies that you no longer want to be involved or held accountable for it. For example, if a friend keeps asking for money and you've had enough, you might say, 'I've decided to wash my hands of it and stop lending him money.'
- 1Personal Relationships
After years of trying to help her troubled sibling, she finally washed her hands of the situation and focused on her own well-being.
- 2Work
After being constantly overlooked for promotions, he decided to wash his hands of the company and start his own business.
- 3Ethical Dilemmas
When faced with a decision that went against her values, she chose to wash her hands of the matter and speak up against it.
Similar phrases to “Wash your hands of something”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wash your hands of something” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wash Your Hands of (Something)" is unknown.
Is “Wash your hands of something” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wash Your Hands of (Something)" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their desire to disassociate themselves from a situation or responsibility.
What tone does “Wash your hands of something” have?
"Wash Your Hands of (Something)" conveys a tone of finality and detachment. It suggests that the person has made a firm decision to no longer be involved or responsible for a particular situation.
Can “Wash your hands of something” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Wash Your Hands of (Something)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of disassociating oneself from a situation or responsibility. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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 decided to wash his hands of the project and move on.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "wash your hands of it"!' to imply the desire to disassociate oneself from a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- disown
- abandon
- relinquish
- detach oneself from
- divest oneself of
- sever ties with
Antonyms
- take responsibility for
- embrace
- stay involved in
- hold onto
- accept accountability for
