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.
- forsakeAbandon completely
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- relinquishVoluntarily give up control
- guiltlessnessAbsence of culpability
- renounceFormally give up
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
wash one's hands ofown
Have legal title to
shoulder · answer for · take on · embrace · stand behind
wash one's hands ofstand by
Remain ready to assist
support · stick with · back · champion · stand behind
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