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REFERENCE

cast the first stone

idiom
Meaning

To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.


Origin

disputed origin

From the Bible John 8:7, where Jesus tells the accusers of a woman of adultery that "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her". All accusers did not do so, and Jesus forgave the woman's sin.

Examples
SIMPLE

Do not cast the first stone if you have made mistakes too.

CONTEXTUAL

Before you criticize his poor performance, remember that you should not cast the first stone.

COMPLEX

In a society where everyone has their own hidden flaws, it is rarely appropriate for anyone to cast the first stone against a neighbor.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blink first

    To be the first party in some situation to give in or back down.

  2. 02

    carved in stone

    Unchangeable.

  3. 03

    cast a chill

    To provoke an uneasy feeling which stops a conversation, as by an uncalled act or word.

  4. 04

    cast a shadow

    To dampen future events.

  5. 05

    cast aside

    Synonym of discard.

  6. 06

    cast aspersions

    To make damaging or spiteful remarks.

  7. 07

    cast in concrete

    solidly established, very difficult to alter

  8. 08

    cast in someone's teeth

    To accuse someone of something, or reproach them for it.

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