Cast the first stone
Meaning
To be the first to criticize or condemn someone, especially when one is not without fault oneself.
Origin
The phrase originates from a compelling biblical narrative found in the Gospel of John. A group of scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, challenging him to condemn her to stoning, as prescribed by Mosaic law. Rather than directly engaging, Jesus famously bent down and wrote on the ground. When they pressed him for an answer, he straightened up and declared, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Confronted with their own consciences, the accusers dispersed, leaving the woman unpunished and giving the world an enduring metaphor for the hypocrisy of judgment.
Examples
- Before you criticize her mistakes, consider whether you are truly without fault and ready to cast the first stone.
- He felt it was unfair for anyone in the room to cast the first stone, as they all had similar skeletons in their closets.