thou shalt not
Commandment's opening words
Thou shalt not is the archaic formula for prohibition in the Ten Commandments and biblical law generally: Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal.
The phrase now evokes any absolute moral command, often used ironically or to mock rigid rules: Thou shalt not use Comic Sans.
The construction sounds deliberately solemn or mock-biblical in modern speech.
- Ten CommandmentsScriptural moral code
- commandmentAuthoritative rule to obey
- forbiddenNot allowed
- sinViolation of divine law
- MosesHebrew prophet, liberator
Old Testament · stone tablets · tablet · covenant · covet · thy neighbor · steal · kill · adultery · law · scripture · Bible · holy · sacred · prohibition · transgression · morality · obey
- commandmentsTen Commandments, no other gods, honor thy parents, honor parents, no stealing
thou shalt notby all means
Emphatic affirmative response
go ahead · feel free · do it · permission granted · love thy neighbor
thou shalt nottake it or leave it
Non-negotiable final offer
no pressure · optional · guidelines · recommendations · food for thought
thou shalt notfree will
Autonomous choice capacity
personal choice · follow your heart · your call · autonomy · self-determination