cast the first stone
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
From the Bible John 8.7 where Jesus tells the accusers of a woman of adultery, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Pronunciation
Audio (General Australian): (file)
Verb
cast the first stone (third-person singular simple present casts the first stone, present participle casting the first stone, simple past and past participle cast the first stone)
- (idiomatic) To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.
- 2007, March 10, Mr Gingrich, on the impeachment proceedings in 1999. Reported in The Guardian
- I knew I couldn't cast the first stone as I knew I had weaknesses. ... (But) as a leader of the government trying to uphold the rule of law I have no choice but to move forward and say you cannot accept perjury in your highest officials.
- 2007, March 10, Mr Gingrich, on the impeachment proceedings in 1999. Reported in The Guardian
Translations
act self-righteously
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See also
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