clean hands

American  

noun

1. freedom from guilt, wrongdoing, or dishonesty; innocence; guiltlessness.

   He came out of the bribery investigation triumphantly when it was proved that he had clean hands.

---

Etymology

Origin of clean hands

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Officials say it can be used only to clean hands if it’s completely unheated.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

The rough hands of a slave, the clean hands of a prince, the wrinkled hands of an old man who has seen so much.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2023

Raffi Ivker, a Jewish student at George Washington University, said he believed neither side "has clean hands."

From Reuters • Oct. 18, 2023

Shortly after he took on the new role, Gen Nguema launched the "clean hands" operation, which set out to tackle alleged state-led embezzlement.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2023

Dad was a perpetual optimist, confident that brains someday would triumph over inanimate steel; bolstered in the belief that he entered the fray with clean hands and a pure heart.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

• fresh start