holier-than-thou

[ hoh-lee-er-thuhn-thou ]

/ ˈhoʊ li ər ðənˈðaʊ /

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adjective

obnoxiously pious; sanctimonious; self-righteous.

noun

a person who is obnoxiously pious or self-righteous.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

Origin of holier-than-thou

First recorded in 1910–15

And yet as Robert Ward discovered, Marvin—for all of his larger-than-life machismo—was surprising in real life.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
My younger, straighter-than-an-arrow son was stopped and arrested in two separate jurisdictions a few years ago.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was the larger-than-the-life figure, and he loomed impossibly large over this campaign.
Former Providence Mayor & Ex-Con Buddy Cianci's Redemption Tour Goes Bust|David Freedlander|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Barack Obama is in for a rougher-than-usual couple of months.
Hey, Congress: Vote on the Damn War|Michael Tomasky|September 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Kim is mocking the entire value system on which she built her career, as well as her own less-than-savory past.
Kim Kardashian Isn't the Butt of Jokes Anymore|Amy Zimmerman|August 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Honour the physician for the need thou hast of him: for the most High hath created him.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Solely over one man therein thou hast quite absolute control.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
For it is better that thy children should ask of thee, than that thou look toward the hands of thy children.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
In the time when thou shalt end the days of thy life, and in the time of thy decease, distribute thy inheritance.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Forget it not: for there is no returning, and thou shalt do him no good, and shalt hurt thyself.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various