Have somebody’s blood on your hands

usgb
phrase

To be responsible for someone's harm or death.

John ordered the attack, so he has the soldier's blood on his hands.
Visual representation of "have somebody’s blood on your hands" - To be responsible for someone's harm or death.

Often appears as...

  • have innocent's blood on one's hands
  • have victim's blood on one's hands

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "have somebody’s blood on your hands"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Direct Responsibility

Use when someone directly caused harm or death through their actions.

Illustration for Direct Responsibility
The general who ordered the airstrike has the city's blood on his hands.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Moral Weight

Implies heavy moral guilt, used when blaming someone for a serious wrongdoing.

Illustration for Moral Weight
After the scandal, the CEO has the company's blood on his hands.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Serious Accusation

Expresses a grave accusation; not used for light or accidental situations.

Illustration for Serious Accusation
By ignoring the warnings, he has the tourists' blood on his hands.
Visual representation of the word "Have somebody’s blood on your hands"

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