cast the first stone
Begin the condemnation
To cast the first stone is to be the first to criticize or condemn someone, with the implication that the accuser is equally guilty.
The phrase comes from Jesus's challenge to those about to stone an adulteress: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." It usually appears in the negative: I'm not going to cast the first stone—I've made mistakes too.
- sinViolation of divine law
- PhariseeAncient strict Jewish sect
- judge notRefrain from condemning others
- hypocrisyPretense of virtue
- pot calling the kettle blackCriticizing faults you share
condemnation · accusation · forgiveness · self-righteousness · moral high ground · holier than thou · double standards · introspection · adulteress · projection · blame · redemption · grace · self-awareness · mercy · fault-finding · critique · inconsistency
- Biblical ExpressionsGarden of Eden, David and Goliath, Good Samaritan, prodigal son, forbidden fruit
- Scripture PhrasesJohn 3:16, Lord's Prayer, Our Father, Ten Commandments, Beatitudes
- Biblical ReferencesAdam and Eve, ark, forbidden fruit, Garden of Eden, Ten Commandments
- hypocrisyhypocrisy, hypocrite, sanctimony, two-faced, self-righteousness
cast the first stoneforgive
Cease to blame
show mercy · turn the other cheek · pardon · absolve · let it go
cast the first stonestand up for
Defend against criticism
protect · shield · have someone's back · vouch for · intercede
first, stone, casts, casting, caster, casters, recast, broadcast, broadcasts