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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

"As upset as these airlines are - and you can understand why they would be - they don't exactly have clean hands," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2024

The rough hands of a slave, the clean hands of a prince, the wrinkled hands of an old man who has seen so much.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2023

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

From Reuters • Oct. 18, 2023

He came gently, with a soft tread and beautifully clean hands.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

• fresh start