CLEAN HANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Clean hands is a proverbial phrase used metaphorically to refer to someone's moral character and integrity, particularly in legal and ethical contexts. The term emphasizes the idea that an individual does not possess any guilt or wrongdoing. It denotes a person who has not engaged in deceptive, dishonest, or corrupt activities, and is free from any stain or blemish on their reputation.
In legal realms, having clean hands implies that an individual is deserving of legal protection or remedies because they have conducted themselves in a lawful and ethical manner. It suggests that they have not participated in any unlawful activities that would undermine their credibility or entitle them to equitable relief.
The concept of clean hands is deeply rooted in the principle of fairness and justice, recognizing that those who seek redress should themselves be blameless. It serves to safeguard against opportunistic or dishonest behavior, requiring individuals to demonstrate that they have acted honestly, faithfully, and with good intentions.
Beyond the legal context, clean hands also extends to broader moral and ethical dimensions. It signifies a person who upholds high standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness in their personal and professional dealings. It conveys an individual's commitment to transparent and upright conduct, reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior in society.
Ultimately, possessing clean hands implies a person's unblemished reputation, trustworthiness, and adherence to moral principles, making it a highly regarded and valued attribute.
Common Misspellings for CLEAN HANDS
- xlean hands
- vlean hands
- flean hands
- dlean hands
- ckean hands
- cpean hands
- coean hands
- clwan hands
- clsan hands
- cldan hands
- clran hands
- cl4an hands
- cl3an hands
- clezn hands
- clesn hands
- clewn hands
- cleqn hands
- cleab hands
- cleam hands
- cleaj hands
Etymology of CLEAN HANDS
The phrase "clean hands" comes from an ancient custom and gesture of washing one's hands to symbolize innocence or purity. The etymology of the word "clean" can be traced back to the Old English word "clæne", which in turn derived from the West Germanic word "klainijaz". "Hands" can be traced back to the Old English word "hand", which has Germanic origins. The phrase "clean hands" became idiomatic over time, suggesting someone being free from guilt or wrongdoing.
Idioms with the word CLEAN HANDS
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with clean hands
The idiom "with clean hands" means to be innocent or guilt-free of wrongdoing or illegal activities. It often implies having no involvement or responsibility in any unethical or immoral actions.
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have clean hands
The idiom "have clean hands" refers to being innocent or free from guilt, blame, or wrongdoing in a particular situation or matter. It often implies having no involvement or responsibility for any wrongdoing or unethical actions.
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clean hands, have
To have clean hands means to have no guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing, to be innocent or free from blame.
