washes one's hands of
Refuses further involvement
To wash one's hands of something is to disclaim responsibility for it, to refuse further involvement: I wash my hands of this whole mess.
The phrase alludes to Pontius Pilate washing his hands before the crowd after condemning Jesus to crucifixion—a gesture of absolution.
Someone who washes their hands of a situation is declaring they're done trying to fix or control it.
- abandonLeave behind permanently
- walk awayDepart from something
- renounceFormally give up
- turn one's backWithdraw support deliberately
- absolveRelease from guilt
cleanse · abdicate · purify · sever · shirk · withdraw · ritual · catharsis · extricate · justify · exonerate · off the hook · symbolism · ceremonial · evade · forsake · disclaim · relinquish