Holier than thou
Meaning
Displaying an attitude of moral superiority or self-righteousness that often comes across as judgmental.
Origin
The phrase "holier than thou" springs directly from the pages of the King James Bible, specifically Isaiah 65:5. In this prophetic passage, God describes a group of self-righteous individuals who scorn others, proclaiming, "Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou." This powerful imagery captures the essence of a person believing themselves morally superior and untouchable, setting themselves apart from those they deem less worthy. The scripture portrays this attitude not as virtuous, but as an affront to God, burning like "a smoke in my nose." Over centuries, the phrase transcended its religious text, embedding itself in common English to describe anyone exhibiting an irritating air of moral superiority.
Examples
- His holier-than-thou attitude alienated many colleagues who found him condescending.
- She found it difficult to work with someone so holier than thou, always pointing out everyone else's flaws.