Browse phrases beginning with: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][K][L][M][N][O][P][Q][R][S][T][U,V][W][X,Y,Z]

To cast the first stone

Meaning

Be the first to attack a sinner. The implication in Jesus' teaching was that the members of the congregation were only in a position to condemn a sinner if they were without sin themselves - in other words, 'judge not lest you be judged'.

Origin

This phrase derives from the Bible- John 8:7. The earliest biblical example of it in print in English comes in Miles Coverdale's Bible, 1535:

Now whyle they contynued axynge him, he lift him self vp, and sayde vnto them: He that is amonge you without synne, let him cast the first stone at her.

Phrasefinder is also on &

Tudor Phrases and Sayings - a book on the meanings and origins of the phrases and sayings that Shakespeare and Henry VIII used that we use still use every day.

phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The meaning and origin of the expression: To cast the first stone

To cast the first stone

Meaning

Origin