Pot Calling the Kettle Black Meaning | English Phrases & Idioms | Examples & Origin

Summary

The idiom 'the pot calling the kettle black' describes a situation where someone accuses another of a fault they themselves possess. Originating from the similarity between pots and kettles, which both turned black when heated over fire, the phrase is used to highlight hypocrisy. Examples include someone selfish calling another selfish or a person with multiple divorces commenting on someone else's marriage troubles.

Takeaways

• 🍳 **Idiom Meaning**: 'The pot calling the kettle black' means accusing someone of a fault you also have.
• 🗣️ **Usage**: It's used to describe a situation where someone criticizes another for a flaw they themselves possess.
• 😒 **Example 1**: Accusing someone of being cheap while being cheap oneself exemplifies the idiom.
• 🤔 **Example 2**: Criticizing someone's marriage choices when having multiple divorces is another example.
• 🔍 **Origin**: The term 'kettle' historically referred to any container for heating or cooking, not just a teakettle.
• 📚 **Etymology**: 'Kettle' comes from the Latin 'catinus', meaning a large pot used for cooking.
• 🏺 **Similarity**: Pots and kettles were essentially the same, both being large containers for cooking or storage.
• 🔥 **Historical Context**: In the past, pots and kettles got blackened when heated over open fires, leading to the idiom.
• 👀 **Observation**: The idiom highlights the irony of someone pointing out a fault they share with the person they're accusing.
• 🌐 **Cultural Relevance**: This idiom is widely recognized and used in English-speaking cultures to point out hypocrisy.

Q & A

What is the meaning of the idiom 'pot calling the kettle black'?

It refers to a situation where one person accuses another of having a fault that they themselves possess.

How is the idiom used in conversations?

It is used to describe situations where someone criticizes another for a flaw that they themselves exhibit. For example, if a selfish person accuses someone else of being selfish.

Can you provide an example of the idiom in use?

"I can’t believe Bert called me cheap! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!"

What is the origin of the word 'kettle'?

The word 'kettle' originated from the diminutive form of the Latin word 'catinus,' meaning a large pot for cooking.

What is the connection between the pot and the kettle in the idiom?

Both pots and kettles are containers used for cooking, and in the past, when heated over open flames, they would both become stained black, symbolizing how both are similar despite one calling out the other.

What does the idiom imply about the person making the accusation?

The idiom suggests that the person making the accusation is hypocritical because they have the same fault they are accusing another of.

How was the word 'kettle' used in earlier times?

Originally, 'kettle' referred to any container used to heat water over a fire or for cooking, not just the modern-day teakettle.

Why does the idiom use 'black' as a descriptor?

In the past, pots and kettles heated over an open flame would become blackened from soot, symbolizing how both the pot and the kettle are equally stained.

How can the idiom be applied in everyday life?

It can be used when someone criticizes another for a fault they have themselves, pointing out their hypocrisy in situations such as calling someone out for being messy when they are also messy.

What is the historical significance of the vessels mentioned in the idiom?

The vessels, like pots and kettles, were essential kitchen tools in earlier times and were frequently blackened when used over an open flame, which inspired the metaphor.