The phrase “pot calling the kettle black” is a well-known idiom used to describe hypocrisy. It refers to someone criticizing another for a fault they also possess. The saying originates from old cast-iron cookware, where both pots and kettles would blacken over an open fire.
This concept of calling out others while being guilty of the same flaw is universal. Many languages and cultures have their own versions of this phrase, often rooted in everyday life, animals, or historical contexts. Understanding these similar sayings helps reveal how different societies view hypocrisy.
In This Article
Common English Variants
While “pot calling the kettle black” is widely recognized, English has several alternative expressions conveying the same meaning.
1. The Fox Calling the Wolf Sly
A clever take on hypocrisy, this phrase suggests that a fox (known for its cunning nature) accusing a wolf of being sly is ironic. It highlights how deceptive individuals often fail to recognize their own behavior.
2. The Snake Calling the Eel Slippery
Both snakes and eels are associated with being hard to catch and unpredictable. This phrase suggests that someone who is deceitful shouldn’t accuse another of the same trait.
3. Do as I Say, Not as I Do
This expression is often used when someone enforces rules they don’t follow themselves. It’s commonly seen in parenting, politics, and workplace leadership, where authority figures expect compliance but act differently.
Sayings Similar to Pot Calling the Kettle Black
1. “The fox guarding the henhouse”
- Meaning: A person put in charge of something they are likely to exploit.
- Usage: “Letting a known embezzler manage the company’s finances is like the fox guarding the henhouse.”
- Origin: Likely from rural life, where foxes prey on chickens.
2. “The thief thinks everyone else is a thief”
- Meaning: A dishonest person assumes others are also dishonest.
- Usage: “He accused me of cheating, but I bet it’s just the thief thinking everyone else is a thief.”
- Origin: Possibly from an old Spanish proverb.
3. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing”
- Meaning: Someone who appears harmless but has malicious intentions.
- Usage: “That friendly salesman turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
- Origin: Biblical reference, Matthew 7:15.
4. “When you point one finger, three point back at you”
- Meaning: Accusing others often reveals one’s own faults.
- Usage: “She called me lazy, but I reminded her that when you point one finger, three point back at you.”
- Origin: Traditional wisdom, likely African or Asian in origin.
5. “Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”
- Meaning: People who have faults shouldn’t criticize others for the same faults.
- Usage: “You criticize my spending, but you waste money too—those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
- Origin: Likely from medieval European proverbs.
6. “Look who’s talking”
- Meaning: Used to highlight hypocrisy in someone’s statement.
- Usage: “You’re telling me to be punctual? Look who’s talking!”
- Origin: Common English phrase, modern usage.
7. “It takes one to know one”
- Meaning: Someone accusing another of something often has the same trait.
- Usage: “You call me stubborn? It takes one to know one!”
- Origin: Likely from childhood taunts.
8. “A blind man leading the blind”
- Meaning: An incompetent person guiding another incompetent person.
- Usage: “Neither of them knows anything about business—it’s like the blind leading the blind.”
- Origin: Biblical reference, Matthew 15:14.
9. “Sweep around your own front door”
- Meaning: Take care of your own problems before criticizing others.
- Usage: “You keep talking about my mistakes—why don’t you sweep around your own front door?”
- Origin: Likely from Southern American sayings.
10. “Don’t throw mud if you live in a mud house”
- Meaning: Criticizing others when you have the same flaw is unwise.
- Usage: “He called me unreliable, but he forgets all his appointments—don’t throw mud if you live in a mud house.”
- Origin: Variation of the glass house proverb.
11. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”
- Meaning: If something applies to one person, it should apply to another.
- Usage: “You say I should work overtime? Well, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
- Origin: 16th-century English proverb.
12. “One dog barks at something, a hundred bark at the sound”
- Meaning: People criticize or follow blindly without knowing the full truth.
- Usage: “Everyone believes that rumor without evidence—one dog barks at something, a hundred bark at the sound.”
- Origin: Chinese proverb.
13. “The crow thinks her own bird is the fairest”
- Meaning: People overlook their own faults but criticize others for the same thing.
- Usage: “She criticizes my kids, but the crow thinks her own bird is the fairest.”
- Origin: Ancient proverb, found in many cultures.
14. “The camel cannot see its own hump”
- Meaning: People fail to see their own flaws but notice others’.
- Usage: “He’s always judging others’ mistakes, but the camel cannot see its own hump.”
- Origin: Arabic proverb.
15. “The knife doesn’t know it’s cutting”
- Meaning: People are unaware of the harm they cause while judging others.
- Usage: “He keeps hurting people without realizing it—the knife doesn’t know it’s cutting.”
- Origin: Likely from Asian proverbs.
16. “A sieve can’t mock a needle for having a hole”
- Meaning: A flawed person shouldn’t criticize another for a minor flaw.
- Usage: “You complain about my mistakes? A sieve can’t mock a needle for having a hole.”
- Origin: African proverb.
17. “Physician, heal thyself”
- Meaning: Fix your own faults before criticizing others.
- Usage: “You tell me to eat healthier? Physician, heal thyself!”
- Origin: Biblical, Luke 4:23.
18. “The skunk calls the badger stinky”
- Meaning: A person criticizes someone for a fault they also have.
- Usage: “You say I’m loud? That’s the skunk calling the badger stinky!”
- Origin: American folklore.
19. “A cat may look at a king”
- Meaning: Even those of lower status have rights to opinions.
- Usage: “You act like I can’t question you, but a cat may look at a king!”
- Origin: English proverb from the 1500s.
20. “An empty barrel makes the most noise”
- Meaning: Those with the least knowledge often criticize the most.
- Usage: “She complains about our work, but she knows nothing—an empty barrel makes the most noise.”
- Origin: Traditional wisdom.
21. “The baker calling the cook fat”
- Meaning: One flawed person mocking another for the same flaw.
- Usage: “You said I spend too much? That’s the baker calling the cook fat.”
- Origin: Possibly from 19th-century English sayings.
22. “The owl tells the eagle he has big eyes”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something you also have.
- Usage: “He called me arrogant? That’s the owl telling the eagle he has big eyes!”
- Origin: Indigenous American folklore.
23. “Cows don’t call each other hornless”
- Meaning: People with similar flaws shouldn’t criticize each other.
- Usage: “They both gossip, yet judge each other—cows don’t call each other hornless.”
- Origin: African proverb.
24. “The log cannot call the twig crooked”
- Meaning: A bigger problem should not criticize a smaller one.
- Usage: “Your company has bigger problems than ours—the log cannot call the twig crooked.”
- Origin: Various cultures.
25. “You can’t complain about dust when you live in a sandstorm”
- Meaning: If you’re in a bad situation, don’t criticize minor issues.
- Usage: “Your workplace is a mess—why worry about one late email? You can’t complain about dust when you live in a sandstorm.”
- Origin: Likely from Middle Eastern proverbs.
26. “The drunk mocking the bartender for drinking”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something you also do.
- Usage: “You’re making fun of my shopping habits? That’s like the drunk mocking the bartender for drinking.”
- Origin: Likely from bar culture.
27. “All crows are black under their feathers”
- Meaning: People often share the same flaws they criticize in others.
- Usage: “He acts superior, but all crows are black under their feathers.”
- Origin: Russian proverb.
28. “The ladder telling the stairs they’re too steep”
- Meaning: A hypocritical judgment.
- Usage: “You say I’m too ambitious? That’s the ladder telling the stairs they’re too steep.”
- Origin: Modern metaphor.
29. “The knife laughing at the sword for being sharp”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for a quality you also have.
- Usage: “She accused me of being aggressive, but that’s the knife laughing at the sword for being sharp.”
- Origin: Asian proverbs.
30. “The lion mocks the tiger for hunting”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for doing the same thing you do.
- Usage: “He said I’m competitive? That’s the lion mocking the tiger for hunting.”
- Origin: African proverb.
31. “The dog scolding the cat for barking”
- Meaning: Calling out someone for a behavior they don’t even exhibit.
- Usage: “She accused me of being unreliable, but she’s never on time—the dog scolding the cat for barking.”
- Origin: Folk saying.
32. “An owl complaining about the darkness”
- Meaning: Someone used to something acting like it’s a problem.
- Usage: “He’s always dishonest but complains about liars—like an owl complaining about the darkness.”
- Origin: Possibly from Indian folklore.
33. “The fish calling the duck wet”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something you both do.
- Usage: “You say I talk too much? That’s the fish calling the duck wet.”
- Origin: Likely from fisherman’s sayings.
34. “The donkey calling the mule long-eared”
- Meaning: Accusing someone of a flaw you also have.
- Usage: “She called me stubborn? That’s the donkey calling the mule long-eared.”
- Origin: Middle Eastern proverb.
35. “The iceberg telling the glacier to cool down”
- Meaning: A hypocritical statement.
- Usage: “You told me to calm down? That’s the iceberg telling the glacier to cool down.”
- Origin: Modern metaphor.
36. “The thunder laughing at the rain for being loud”
- Meaning: Accusing someone of something you do even more.
- Usage: “She called me dramatic? That’s the thunder laughing at the rain for being loud.”
- Origin: Likely from folklore.
37. “A knife telling a razor it’s too sharp”
- Meaning: Someone making a hypocritical statement.
- Usage: “You say I’m impatient? That’s a knife telling a razor it’s too sharp.”
- Origin: Asian proverbs.
38. “The termite calling the ant destructive”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something you also do.
- Usage: “You say I gossip too much? That’s the termite calling the ant destructive.”
- Origin: Possibly African proverb.
39. “The pigeon telling the crow to stay off rooftops”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for doing the same thing you do.
- Usage: “He said I should work harder, but he barely does anything—that’s the pigeon telling the crow to stay off rooftops.”
- Origin: Middle Eastern folklore.
40. “The snowflake calling the hail too cold”
- Meaning: Accusing someone of a minor fault when you have a bigger one.
- Usage: “You think I overreact? That’s the snowflake calling the hail too cold.”
- Origin: Modern metaphor.
41. “The volcano telling the stove not to burn”
- Meaning: A hypocritical statement.
- Usage: “You told me not to overdo it? That’s the volcano telling the stove not to burn.”
- Origin: Likely modern metaphor.
42. “The crow calling the raven dark-feathered”
- Meaning: Someone calling out a minor issue in another when they have a bigger issue themselves.
- Usage: “He criticizes my business skills, but his company failed too—that’s the crow calling the raven dark-feathered.”
- Origin: Old English proverb.
43. “A broken clock telling a watch it’s slow”
- Meaning: A faulty person judging someone else for a minor mistake.
- Usage: “He calls me lazy, but he never works—that’s a broken clock telling a watch it’s slow.”
- Origin: Modern analogy.
44. “The rooster telling the owl to stop waking people up”
- Meaning: Someone criticizing another for something they also do.
- Usage: “You say I’m loud? That’s the rooster telling the owl to stop waking people up.”
- Origin: Likely from European farming sayings.
45. “The waves telling the river to stay calm”
- Meaning: Someone hypocritically advising another.
- Usage: “She told me to relax, but she’s always stressed—that’s the waves telling the river to stay calm.”
- Origin: Likely poetic or metaphorical.
46. “The rabbit telling the squirrel to stop hopping”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for a habit you also have.
- Usage: “You said I move too fast? That’s the rabbit telling the squirrel to stop hopping.”
- Origin: Possibly children’s stories.
47. “The matchstick calling the candle short-lived”
- Meaning: A person with a bigger problem judging someone with a smaller version of it.
- Usage: “She criticized my fashion sense, but hers is worse—that’s the matchstick calling the candle short-lived.”
- Origin: Likely a metaphorical saying.
48. “The wind scolding the breeze for blowing”
- Meaning: Someone exaggerating another person’s minor faults while having a major one.
- Usage: “You say I overreact? That’s the wind scolding the breeze for blowing.”
- Origin: Likely poetic or folklore-based.
49. “The wolf calling the dog wild”
- Meaning: Accusing someone of something that applies even more to the accuser.
- Usage: “He said I take too many risks? That’s the wolf calling the dog wild.”
- Origin: European fables.
50. “The storm telling the drizzle it’s too wet”
- Meaning: Someone criticizing another person despite having a much bigger flaw.
- Usage: “He told me I overdo things? That’s the storm telling the drizzle it’s too wet.”
- Origin: Likely a poetic metaphor.
51. “The crab telling the lobster to walk straight”
- Meaning: A hypocrite giving advice they don’t follow.
- Usage: “You tell me to be honest? That’s the crab telling the lobster to walk straight.”
- Origin: Caribbean and Asian proverbs.
52. “The river laughing at the lake for being wet”
- Meaning: Mocking someone for something you also have.
- Usage: “You say I’m too emotional? That’s the river laughing at the lake for being wet.”
- Origin: Nature-based metaphors.
53. “The feather calling the leaf too light”
- Meaning: Someone with a similar flaw criticizing another.
- Usage: “She said my jokes are silly? That’s the feather calling the leaf too light.”
- Origin: Poetic metaphor.
54. “The sun mocking the candle for being hot”
- Meaning: A person exaggerating another’s minor fault while having a bigger one.
- Usage: “You say I brag too much? That’s the sun mocking the candle for being hot.”
- Origin: Likely poetic or classical.
55. “The storm complaining about the drizzle”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something much smaller than what you do.
- Usage: “You say I get angry too easily? That’s the storm complaining about the drizzle.”
- Origin: Weather-based metaphor.
56. “The snake calling the lizard sneaky”
- Meaning: Someone with a worse flaw judging another unfairly.
- Usage: “He accused me of lying? That’s the snake calling the lizard sneaky.”
- Origin: Likely folklore.
57. “The tornado telling the wind to calm down”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for a trait you have even more.
- Usage: “She said I overthink things? That’s the tornado telling the wind to calm down.”
- Origin: Modern metaphor.
58. “The cat laughing at the dog for chasing its tail”
- Meaning: Someone mocking another for doing something they also do.
- Usage: “You waste time on social media too—that’s the cat laughing at the dog for chasing its tail.”
- Origin: Animal-based wisdom.
59. “The kettle calling the teapot round”
- Meaning: One flawed person calling another out for the same flaw.
- Usage: “He called me impatient? That’s the kettle calling the teapot round.”
- Origin: Variation of “pot calling the kettle black.”
60. “The mirror blaming the window for reflecting”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for doing the same thing as you.
- Usage: “You say I copy your ideas? That’s the mirror blaming the window for reflecting.”
- Origin: Poetic analogy.
61. “The shadow calling the silhouette dark”
- Meaning: A hypocritical critique.
- Usage: “She said I lack originality? That’s the shadow calling the silhouette dark.”
- Origin: Poetic or philosophical metaphor.
62. “The peacock mocking the rooster for showing off”
- Meaning: Someone who loves attention accusing another of the same.
- Usage: “He says I talk too much? That’s the peacock mocking the rooster for showing off.”
- Origin: Likely from fables.
63. “The torch accusing the lantern of being too bright”
- Meaning: A hypocrite criticizing another for the same trait.
- Usage: “You say I’m too ambitious? That’s the torch accusing the lantern of being too bright.”
- Origin: Likely poetic or classical.
64. “The bear calling the raccoon furry”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for a shared trait.
- Usage: “You say I eat too much? That’s the bear calling the raccoon furry.”
- Origin: North American folklore.
65. “The wind telling the ocean to stop moving”
- Meaning: A hypocritical demand.
- Usage: “He told me to stop being dramatic? That’s the wind telling the ocean to stop moving.”
- Origin: Nature-based analogy.
66. “The elephant calling the hippo heavy”
- Meaning: A hypocritical judgment.
- Usage: “You say I should lose weight? That’s the elephant calling the hippo heavy.”
- Origin: African proverb.
67. “The lightning mocking the fire for being bright”
- Meaning: A hypocritical critique.
- Usage: “She said I was too intense? That’s the lightning mocking the fire for being bright.”
- Origin: Likely from folklore.
68. “The sponge telling the towel to dry up”
- Meaning: A hypocritical demand.
- Usage: “You say I work too hard? That’s the sponge telling the towel to dry up.”
- Origin: Household-based metaphor.
69. “The owl telling the bat it’s too nocturnal”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for doing something you also do.
- Usage: “She told me to go to bed early? That’s the owl telling the bat it’s too nocturnal.”
- Origin: Animal wisdom.
70. “The desert mocking the sun for being dry”
- Meaning: Criticizing someone for something you also embody.
- Usage: “You say I’m stubborn? That’s the desert mocking the sun for being dry.”
- Origin: Middle Eastern proverbs.
71. “The cloud laughing at the mist for being foggy”
- Meaning: A hypocritical accusation.
- Usage: “She says I complicate things? That’s the cloud laughing at the mist for being foggy.”
- Origin: Weather-based metaphor.
72. “The tree scolding the vine for growing”
- Meaning: Someone mocking another for progressing.
- Usage: “You criticize me for being ambitious? That’s the tree scolding the vine for growing.”
- Origin: Poetic metaphor.
73. “The brick calling the rock too hard”
- Meaning: Someone criticizing another despite having the same trait.
- Usage: “He said I was too stubborn? That’s the brick calling the rock too hard.”
- Origin: Construction-related metaphor.
74. “The iceberg calling the snowflake cold”
- Meaning: Someone with a major flaw mocking another for a minor version of the same flaw.
- Usage: “You say I’m unfriendly? That’s the iceberg calling the snowflake cold.”
- Origin: Nature-based wisdom.
75. “The candle mocking the matchstick for burning out”
- Meaning: Someone who faces the same fate judging another for it.
- Usage: “You say I work too hard? That’s the candle mocking the matchstick for burning out.”
- Origin: Poetic analogy.
Similar Sayings in Other Languages
Many cultures have their own idioms to describe hypocrisy. Here’s a look at how different languages express the idea:
| Language | Saying | Literal Meaning | Context |
| Spanish | El burro hablando de orejas | The donkey talking about ears | Someone with the same flaw criticizing another |
| French | C’est l’hôpital qui se moque de la charité | The hospital mocks the charity | Institutions or people criticizing others while being just as flawed |
| German | Wer im Glashaus sitzt, soll nicht mit Steinen werfen | He who lives in a glass house shouldn’t throw stones | A warning against hypocrisy and criticizing others |
| Chinese | 五十步笑百步 (Wǔshí bù xiào bǎi bù) | The one who retreats 50 steps laughs at the one who retreats 100 steps | A person guilty of a minor offense mocking someone for a slightly worse one |
Each of these idioms carries a nuanced take on hypocrisy, but they all emphasize the same core message: Don’t criticize others for faults you also have.
Modern-Day Usage and Adaptations
The phrase “pot calling the kettle black” has evolved beyond traditional conversation, making its way into modern culture, media, and social discussions. Here’s how the concept of hypocrisy is reflected in today’s world:
1. Political and Media Usage
Politicians and public figures often use accusations to shift focus from their own shortcomings. A classic example is when leaders criticize their opponents for corruption while being involved in scandals themselves.
Case Study: In 2019, a well-known political figure condemned a rival for dishonesty, only to be exposed for misleading statements in their own campaign. The media quickly highlighted the hypocrisy, drawing comparisons to the “pot calling the kettle black” phrase.
2. Social Media and Meme Culture
Hypocrisy is a frequent subject in memes and viral content. Internet users often call out celebrities, influencers, or companies that contradict their own values.
- Example: A fast-food chain promoting healthy eating while selling high-calorie meals.
- Example: A celebrity advocating environmental consciousness but frequently flying in private jets.
3. Pop Culture References
Many movies, TV shows, and books incorporate this theme. Characters often criticize others for faults they possess, making for compelling drama and humor.
Notable Examples:
- “The Simpsons” – Many episodes depict characters calling out others for behaviors they themselves exhibit.
- “Game of Thrones“ – Several rulers accuse others of betrayal while engaging in backstabbing themselves.
- “House of Cards” – Political figures manipulate situations while condemning their rivals for doing the same.
These modern adaptations show that the essence of the phrase remains relevant in contemporary discourse.
Psychological and Social Perspective
1. Why Do People Accuse Others of Their Own Flaws?
There’s a psychological explanation behind hypocrisy. People often project their own negative traits onto others as a defense mechanism.
Psychological Concept: Projection – A term coined by Sigmund Freud, referring to how individuals attribute their own undesirable qualities to someone else.
2. Cognitive Biases Related to Hypocrisy
Humans are naturally prone to certain biases that contribute to hypocrisy:
| Cognitive Bias | Definition | Example |
| Self-Serving Bias | People perceive themselves more favorably than they deserve. | A dishonest person believing their actions are justified but condemning others for lying. |
| Confirmation Bias | Individuals seek out information that supports their existing beliefs. | A critic of social media addiction constantly scrolling through their own feeds. |
| Fundamental Attribution Error | Judging others harshly while excusing our own similar behavior. | Criticizing a colleague for being late while justifying personal tardiness. |
3. How to Recognize and Avoid Hypocrisy
Becoming aware of one’s own biases and actions is the first step toward avoiding hypocrisy. Here are some practical ways to do that:
- Self-Reflection: Before criticizing someone, consider if you exhibit the same behavior.
- Open-Mindedness: Accept that you, too, have flaws, and be willing to change.
- Accountability: Acknowledge when you’re wrong instead of deflecting blame.
Recognizing hypocrisy in our actions can lead to stronger integrity and credibility.
In Summary
The saying “pot calling the kettle black” remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. It serves as a reminder that criticizing others for flaws we share is both ironic and unproductive.
This concept is universally understood, as demonstrated by similar phrases across cultures. Whether it’s a donkey mocking another for having large ears (Spanish), or a hypocritical ruler in a TV show, the theme persists in language, psychology, and real-life situations.
Understanding hypocrisy helps us become more self-aware, improve communication, and foster greater accountability. So next time you find yourself judging someone, take a step back and ask: Am I guilty of the same thing?