I wash my hands of the matter

Posted by ESC on October 16, 2003

In Reply to: I wash my hands of the matter posted by Elizabeth on October 16, 2003

: Hi everyone, I need some help with my homework......so what do these expressions mean-I wash my hands of the matter and Waiting for a phone call, I was on tenterhooks?

: Thanks

: Elizabeth

The first is from the Bible:

Matthew 27:24
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

• Tenterhooks Henry 16/October/03
• I wash my hands of the matter ESC 16/October/03