# those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/those-who-live-in-glass-houses-shouldnt-throw-stones
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

People who are morally questionable shouldn't criticize others

## Examples

- Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
- You shouldn't criticize her for being late when you are never on time; remember, those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
- Before the politician attacked his opponent's financial history, his advisors warned him that those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, especially given his own recent scandals.

## Origin

The idea appears in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1380); George Herbert's 1651 form: 'Whose house is of glass, must not throw stones at another.'

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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.