pot calling the kettle black
Meaning
Accusing someone of a fault that you also have; hypocrisy.
Origin
From the image of two soot-blackened cooking vessels: a pot criticizes a kettle for being black, though the pot is equally black. Recorded in English from the early 1600s; often phrased “the pot calling the kettle black.”
Notes
Used to call out hypocrisy; often mildly sarcastic and can sound accusatory depending on tone.
Examples
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He criticized her for being late, but he’s late all the time too—it’s the pot calling the kettle black.
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When the company complained about our lack of transparency, it felt like the pot calling the kettle black.
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Don’t tell me I’m disorganized; coming from you, that’s the pot calling the kettle black.
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She mocked his bad driving even though she has two speeding tickets—classic pot calling the kettle black.
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If you accuse others of gossiping while you spread rumors yourself, that’s just the pot calling the kettle black.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as “the pot calling the kettle black” or “that’s the pot calling the kettle black.” Sometimes shortened to “pot, meet kettle.” Often used as a clause or standalone remark.
Synonyms
- hypocrisy
- double standard
- who are you to talk?
- you’re one to talk
Antonyms
- practice what you preach
- take the moral high ground