Pot calling the kettle black Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
This expression is used when someone criticizes another person for a fault they themselves have. It means someone is guilty of the same thing they are accusing someone else of.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
This is an informal, slightly humorous idiom. It's often used to highlight hypocrisy. In conversation, it can sound accusatory or playful depending on tone. Alternative idioms: 'look who's talking', 'takes one to know one'. Not literal—used only in figurative contexts.
جمل نموذجية
It's the pot calling the kettle black when you complain about being late.
basic
Saying she's messy is the pot calling the kettle black.
basic
Telling me to be quiet? That's the pot calling the kettle black!
basic
Jack says Mark spends too much money, but that's really the pot calling the kettle black.
natural
You calling me disorganized? That's the pot calling the kettle black if I've ever heard it.
natural
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black—she's no better than the people she's criticizing!
natural