clean hands
Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He has clean hands regarding the missing money.”
“The auditor checked the accounts thoroughly to prove that the manager had clean hands.”
“Despite the accusations leveled against his department, the director insisted he had clean hands and welcomed a full investigation into the matter.”
- 01
catch hands
To take a punch; to get hit, especially with the hand or fist.
- 02
change hands
To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.
- 03
clap one's hands red
To clap or applaud intensely.
- 04
clean as a hound's tooth
Very clean.
- 05
clean as a whistle
Very clean.
- 06
clean break
The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.
- 07
clean money
Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.
- 08
clean someone's clock
To defeat someone decisively, in a physical fight or other competition or negotiation.
Last updated August 10, 2026