# clean hands

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/clean-hands
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.