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simba0722
You should not cast the first stone at your friend for something that you used to do as well.
Does this sound natural?
I'm trying to know about the usage of the phrase "cast the first stone".
Oct 27, 2021 9:18 AM
Answers · 8
2
I think this is fine. With regard to Philip's comment about the phrase from the Bible, I am a minister trained in theology and when I first read the sentence it sounded fine to me.
October 27, 2021
1
I think you are mixing 2 idioms.
1) People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
2) a phrase from the Bible: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
This can be simplified: 1) Do not criticise your friend if you do it also (i.e do not throw stones, especially if you have glass windows - you'll get hurt also.
2) Casting the first stone - no one is blameless/innocent. We all make mistakes or deliberate wrongs. So throw the first stone (at someone you blame) only if you are innocent. Which we are not.
October 27, 2021
David, I really don't know how much we can quote from the Bible and what is too much and contravenes Italki's guidelines. So I tried to tread a careful middle line.
October 27, 2021
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simba0722
Language Skills
English, Japanese
Learning Language
English
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