The pot calling the kettle black

phrase

This phrase is used to describe someone who criticizes or accuses someone else of a fault they themselves have.

He's accusing me of being lazy? That's the pot calling the kettle black!
Visual representation of "the pot calling the kettle black" - This phrase is used to describe someone who criticizes or accuses someone else of a fault they themselves have

Often appears as...

  • that's the pot calling the kettle black
  • talk about the pot calling the kettle black

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

This phrase is used to describe someone who criticizes or accuses someone else of a fault they themselves have.

He's accusing me of being lazy? That's the pot calling the kettle black!
Visual representation of "the pot calling the kettle black" - This phrase is used to describe someone who criticizes or accuses someone else of a fault they themselves have

Often appears as...

  • that's the pot calling the kettle black
  • talk about the pot calling the kettle black

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "the pot calling the kettle black"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Self-Awareness

Use when someone lacks self-awareness by criticizing a fault they also have.

Illustration for Self-Awareness
She accused me of being disorganized, but really, that's the pot calling the kettle black.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Situations

Typically used in casual conversations rather than in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Situations
During the family reunion, Uncle Joe said that's the pot calling the kettle black when teased about his cooking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Irony Highlight

Often comes across as ironic or humorous because it points out an obvious contradiction.

Illustration for Irony Highlight
Saying I talk too much? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Self-Awareness

Use when someone lacks self-awareness by criticizing a fault they also have.

Illustration for Self-Awareness
She accused me of being disorganized, but really, that's the pot calling the kettle black.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Situations

Typically used in casual conversations rather than in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Situations
During the family reunion, Uncle Joe said that's the pot calling the kettle black when teased about his cooking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Irony Highlight

Often comes across as ironic or humorous because it points out an obvious contradiction.

Illustration for Irony Highlight
Saying I talk too much? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Self-Awareness

Use when someone lacks self-awareness by criticizing a fault they also have.

Illustration for Self-Awareness
She accused me of being disorganized, but really, that's the pot calling the kettle black.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Situations

Typically used in casual conversations rather than in formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Situations
During the family reunion, Uncle Joe said that's the pot calling the kettle black when teased about his cooking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Irony Highlight

Often comes across as ironic or humorous because it points out an obvious contradiction.

Illustration for Irony Highlight
Saying I talk too much? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Visual representation of the word "The pot calling the kettle black"

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