Pot Calling the Kettle Black

What Does ‘Pot Calling the Kettle Black’ Mean?

The pot calling the kettle black is a situation in which one person accuses another of a fault (or faults) that they themselves possess.

This idiom is used to refer to situations as described in the definition above. For instance, if one person who is selfish accuses another person of being selfish, we would call this ‘the pot calling the kettle black.’

Infographic for the idiom "pot calling the kettle black", giving the meaning and a sentence example.

Sentence Examples

“Fred said that Bernard can’t get along with his co-workers,” said Mr. Evigan. “Fred said that?” replied Tammy. “Fred can’t get along with anybody. He’s the rudest person I know. That’s a case of the pot calling the kettle black.”

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

“So you’re getting another divorce, huh? Maybe marriage isn’t for you,” said Jefferson. “You’ve been divorced four times!” said Aaron. “Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?”

“I just came in and caught him planting this stuff. It’s obviously some primitive attempt to frame me.” “Frame you? Boy, if that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black.” — Trading Places (1983)

“That is one willful child. Pain in the butt, if you ask me.” “lsn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?” — The Client (1994)

Video Presentation

Origin of Pot Calling the Kettle Black

The word kettle did not originally refer to only the teakettle. Instead, it referred to any container used to heat water over a fire. The word kettle derived from the diminutive form of the Latin word catinus, catillus.

In Latin, catinus referred to a large pot for cooking. The diminutive form, catillus, gave rise to the Old English cetel or cietel, which was probably also influenced by the Old Norse ketill.

A pot is any large container used for cooking or storage. In this instance, a pot and a kettle are essentially the same thing. Originally, when large kettles or pots were heated over open flames, all such vessels were stained black, thus the idiom.

Similar Idioms & Related Expressions

That’s rich (coming from you): Used to point out the irony or absurdity of a person’s criticism when they are guilty of the exact same behavior.

Practice what you preach: A common expression used to tell someone they should follow the same advice or standards they demand from others.

Look Who’s Talking: Very similar to pot calling the kettle black – when someone says something negative about someone else, a way of telling them that the same is true of themselves. (Also: You’re a fine one to talk)

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones: people who have faults should not criticize others.

Why don’t you look in the mirror?: A pointed suggestion that a person should examine their own faults before criticizing others for having the same flaws.

Takes One to Know One: Used to state that a person who is criticizing someone of being a certain way or a certain thing shares that trait.

Similar Idioms & Related Expressions

That’s rich (coming from you): Used to point out the irony or absurdity of a person’s criticism when they are guilty of the exact same behavior.

Practice what you preach: A common expression used to tell someone they should follow the same advice or standards they demand from others.

Look Who’s Talking: Very similar to pot calling the kettle black – when someone says something negative about someone else, a way of telling them that the same is true of themselves. (Also: You’re a fine one to talk)

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones: people who have faults should not criticize others.

Why don’t you look in the mirror?: A pointed suggestion that a person should examine their own faults before criticizing others for having the same flaws.

Takes One to Know One: Used to state that a person who is criticizing someone of being a certain way or a certain thing shares that trait.

More Related Idioms