Pot Calling The Kettle Black Idiom: Meaning, Definition, History & Modern Uses

The idiom "pot calling the kettle black" is a common phrase in English that refers to a person criticizing someone else for a fault they have themselves. It's used to point out hypocrisy, especially when someone doesn't recognize their flaws while readily pointing out similar flaws in others.

Definition & Meaning

The definition of "pot calling the kettle black" is:

"Used to describe a situation in which someone criticizes another person for a fault that they have themselves."

This phrase suggests that the critic is guilty of the very thing they're criticizing in someone else. It implies a lack of self-awareness or an inability to recognize one's own faults while being quick to judge others.

History & Origins

The origins of this idiom date back to the times when both pots and kettles were commonly made of cast iron and used over open fires. Both would become blackened by the fire's soot. The pot, already black, would be metaphorically "accusing" the kettle of being black, not realizing or acknowledging its own blackened state.

The earliest known use of the phrase in English literature appears in the 1600s, but the concept is believed to be much older, with similar idioms existing in other languages and cultures.

Modern Usage

Today, "pot calling the kettle black" is widely used in everyday speech and writing. Some examples of how it's typically employed:

• When the CEO criticized employees for being late, despite his own frequent tardiness, it was a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black.
• She accused her roommate of being messy, but her own room was a disaster. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
• Politicians often fall into the trap of the pot calling the kettle black when they criticize their opponents for tactics they themselves use.
• He complained about his friend's poor driving, forgetting his own traffic violations. It's just the pot calling the kettle black.
• The food critic who lambasted a restaurant for poor hygiene was later found to have health code violations in his own establishment – a classic example of the pot calling the kettle black.

Do You Know?

Did you know that the idiom "pot calling the kettle black" has variations in many languages around the world? In Spanish, they say "The donkey talking about long ears" (El burro hablando de orejas). In Chinese, a similar concept is expressed as "The crow that laughs at the pig for being black." These variations all convey the same idea of hypocrisy but use different cultural references.

Check out 9 IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9 SCORE in 2023

Pot Calling The Kettle Black Exercise

Instructions: Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate form of the idiom “pot calling the kettle black.”

1. Susan criticized her friend’s spending habits, but she’s always buying things she doesn’t need herself. It’s like __________.
2. The manager reprimanded the employee for being late, even though he himself arrives after everyone else. It’s a clear case of the __________.
3. Jake told his sister she talks too much, but he’s the one who never stops talking. It’s definitely a situation of the __________.
4. The teacher scolded the students for not paying attention, but she often daydreams during class. It’s the __________.
5. Sarah accused her coworker of being unhelpful, yet she’s the first one to avoid assisting others. It’s a classic example of the __________.

Answers

1. Susan criticized her friend’s spending habits, but she’s always buying things she doesn’t need herself. It’s like the Pot Calling The Kettle Black.
2. The manager reprimands the employee for being late, even though he himself arrives after everyone else. It’s a clear case of the Pot Calling The Kettle Black.
3. Jake told his sister she talks too much, but he’s the one who never stops talking. It’s a situation of the Pot Calling The Kettle Black.
4. The teacher scolded the students for not paying attention, but she often daydreams during class. It’s called Pot Calling The Kettle Black.
5. Sarah accused her coworker of being unhelpful, yet she was the first one to avoid assisting others. It’s a classic example of the Pot Calling The Kettle Black.

Conclusion

The significance of idioms in the IELTS exam cannot be overstated. Incorporating idioms into your speaking and writing tasks can elevate your score and make your communication more engaging and precise. However, it’s essential to use them judiciously and ensure they fit naturally within the context.

So, as you prepare for the IELTS exam, don’t underestimate the power of idioms in showcasing your language skills and making a lasting impression on the examiners.

Also, check :

• 35 Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking tips
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking
• Ough words
• Idiom- Kill two birds with one stone
• Common Idioms to Boost Your IELTS Score – Topic: Safety and risk