doubting Thomas
One who requires proof before believing.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is a doubting Thomas who needs to see the evidence first.”
“I told my boss the project would succeed, but he is a doubting Thomas and wants to see the data.”
“Despite the expert's convincing presentation, the doubting Thomas in the back of the room refused to accept the findings without further verification.”
The phrase comes from John 20:24-29. After the resurrection the other disciples tell Thomas they have seen Jesus, but Thomas refuses to believe it until he can see the nail marks and put his own hand into the wounds. A week later Jesus appears and invites him to do exactly that, telling him to stop doubting and believe. Thomas is convinced; the episode ends with a line praising those who believe without such proof.
The original figure is not a fool but a hold-out, a man who wants physical evidence before he will accept an extraordinary claim. His name became shorthand for that stance.
A doubting Thomas is now anyone who refuses to believe something without direct, personal proof, a habitual sceptic. The label carries a mild edge of reproach, though many would count Thomas's demand for evidence a reasonable one.
The betrayal, trial and crucifixion.
- 01
wash your hands of it (idiom)
To publicly refuse any further responsibility for something or someone.
- 02
thirty pieces of silver (idiom)
A contemptible price paid or accepted for an act of betrayal.
- 03
a cross to bear (idiom)
A heavy, ongoing personal burden or difficulty that one must carry.
- 04
a Judas kiss (idiom)
An act of betrayal disguised as friendship or affection.
- 05
a crown of thorns (idiom)
An honour or position that brings suffering rather than glory.
- 06
give up the ghost (idiom)
To cease clinging to life; to die.
Last updated August 10, 2026