clean hands

American  

noun

1. freedom from guilt, wrongdoing, or dishonesty; innocence; guiltlessness.

   He came out of the bribery investigation triumphantly when it was proved that he had clean hands.

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Etymology

Origin of clean hands

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clean hands

Drizzle the seasoned butter mixture over the crackers, using a pastry brush or clean hands to make sure each cracker gets a little attention.

From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026

And one of the fundamental rules of equity, as Sotomayor explains, is that you have to seek it with clean hands.

From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2025

Officials say it can be used only to clean hands if it’s completely unheated.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 31, 2025

Raffi Ivker, a Jewish student at George Washington University, said he believed neither side "has clean hands."

From Reuters ● Oct. 18, 2023

A man will have clean hands once we get the lid slammed shut on that stinking century.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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