clean hands

noun

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.

Origin of clean hands

First recorded in 1590–1600

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

We would rather take it from people with a decent heart and clean hands.
Roseanne Barr: Why You Should Vote for Me for President | Abigail Pesta | August 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
But at least the Goncourt, with its derisory 50NF cash reward, had clean hands.
Mantel Books the Booker | John Sutherland | October 6, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
Unlike Obama, who was not in power, Brown does not have clean hands when it comes to the current crisis.
Mr. Brown Goes to Washington | Andrew Neil | March 2, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
I know you'll pardon me for saying it, Barry, but they like to have a man come to them with clean hands.
The White Desert | Courtney Ryley Cooper
What wounded man inquires whether the surgeon that tents his gashes have clean hands or not?
The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886 | Ministry of Education

He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. II | Francis Augustus Cox
Provision for clean hands is a necessity in school, and ways of making a small amount of soap and water serve may also be taught.
Euthenics, the science of controllable environment | Ellen H. Richards
In short, he could not go into court with clean hands, which is a prime stipulation of the law—though often honored in the breach.
Within the Law | Marvin Dana

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