wash one's hands of

Refuse further involvement

To wash one's hands of something is to disclaim responsibility for it, refuse further involvement, or abandon concern for its outcome.

The phrase evokes Pontius Pilate washing his hands before the crowd after condemning Jesus.

I've tried to help him a dozen times—I wash my hands of the whole situation.

After the project collapsed, management washed their hands of it entirely.

Related

give up on · disclaim · not my problem · leave · Pontius Pilate · detach · repudiation · clean · abdicate · cut · sever · absolution · indifference · have done with · let go of · purification rites · drop · desert

Opposites
responsibility and commitment

wash one's hands ofown

Have legal title to

shoulder · answer for · take on · embrace · stand behind

support and involvement

wash one's hands ofstand by

Remain ready to assist

support · stick with · back · champion · stand behind

emotional investment and care

wash one's hands ofstand by

Remain ready to assist

cling to · hold onto · nurture · cherish · stick by

Family

hand, wash, hands, washing, washed, handful, handmade, unwashed, washer

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G