cardinal sin
Britishnoun
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theol any of the seven deadly sins
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informal an unforgivable error or misjudgment
lack of impartiality is considered a cardinal sin in broadcasting circles
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To his new coach, the spectacular move constituted a cardinal sin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
It did strike me as odd, however, that “Tony” is forged on a factual alteration that diverts Tony from the kitchen far too often — the movie’s cardinal sin.
From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026
As Justice Sonia Sotomayor explained, this test favored certain denominations over others based on subjective judgments about their theological practices—a cardinal sin under the First Amendment’s establishment clause.
From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2025
"I committed the cardinal sin," reflects David Adams, 87, a widower who lives alone in Glasgow.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2025
He had committed the cardinal sin of putting his own interests ahead of the organization and the people.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
