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Pot Calling the Kettle Black

What Does "Pot Calling the Kettle Black" Mean?

homeidiomsPot Calling the Kettle Black
"Pot calling the kettle black" is an English idiom. It is a metaphorical expression used to criticize someone for accusing another person of a fault or behavior that they themselves are guilty of.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "pot calling the kettle black" used in a sentence:
  • It's like the pot calling the kettle black when he criticizes her for being late, considering he's often late himself.
  • She accused her friend of gossiping too much, but it's the pot calling the kettle black, as she's just as bad.
  • Their argument about procrastination is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.
meaning for pot calling the kettle black

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Pot Calling the Kettle Black" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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