pot calling the kettle black

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

criticizing someone for a fault you share

Why this phrase?

Both a pot and a kettle get blackened over the fire; for either to call the other black is absurd self-criticism.

Example

“You call me lazy? That's the pot calling the kettle black.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a bad press Neutral · CEFR B2

unfavorable reporting or reputation in the media or among people

out of line Informal · CEFR B2

behaving or speaking beyond acceptable limits

put your money where your mouth is Informal · CEFR B2

to back up your words with action, especially money

under fire Neutral · CEFR B2

being strongly criticized or attacked

water off a duck's back Informal · CEFR B2

criticism that has no effect on someone

blind leading the blind Neutral · CEFR C1

people with no experience guiding others who have no experience

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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