proverb · Legacy record
Never point out the mistakes of another with a dirty finger.
Never point out the mistakes of another with a dirty finger.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A dirty finger pointing at another’s mistakes pictures criticism made without considering one’s own conduct. It warns against a self-righteous accusation.
What the words are saying
The dirt is a moral image rather than proof that a critic’s concern is false. A useful interpretation can encourage self-examination while allowing valid reporting and accountability by imperfect people. The supplied no-pointing-if-we-did-it gloss should not become a blanket demand for silence.
Everyday example
Someone acknowledges a comparable error of their own while still addressing the present issue fairly.
When to use it
Use it to discuss fair criticism with the right to raise a concern retained.
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What it does not mean
A critic’s imperfection does not invalidate evidence or excuse another person’s wrongdoing.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 993; PDF page 138
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.