to wash
- verb
- /wɔʃ/
- Informal
- She tried to wash her hands of the blame after the incident, claiming she had no part in it.
Examples
-
After facing criticism, the organization decided to wash its hands of the controversial project.
-
Don't you dare let the agency wash its hands of this.
-
People want to wash their hands of their sins.
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My solution, for years, has been to wash my hands of the whole Armstrong generation.
Blog text (25) -
When they snatch that up, they now wash their hands of that responsibility.
-
After the turmoil she experienced here, I believe she was glad to wash her hands of our fair city.
Fiction book (2000) -
Believe me, Jerome, I am washing my hands of the whole subject.
Fiction book (1992) -
Legislators washed their hands of the key decisions to go to war and for how long.
Academic text (2003) -
So as you listen to the following power thoughts, let the affirmations and ideas wash over your consciousness.
-
Veate watched and listened as the tone of command washed over the security officer and cleaned away his doubts.
Fiction book (1991)
Synonyms
To make sense and seem believable when checked
Seem honest and believable when people check it
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
Stop being involved and refuse to take responsibility for someone or something
- Informal
To tell someone off for saying rude words, sometimes by putting soap in their mouth
- Informal
To try to get rid of bad pictures or thoughts in your mind after something upsetting
To punish someone by putting soap in their mouth for swearing
- Informal
To talk about private, embarrassing things in front of other people
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
- Specialized
A thin see-through layer of water-based paint that gives a surface a soft blended color
- Specialized
A picture that uses thin watercolor layers to make soft shades and depth
- Archaic
A small table that holds a basin and pitcher for washing hands before indoor plumbing
How Acceptable
- Informal
Surface Forms
Etymology
A helpful way to remember the informal use of wash meaning 'to be accepted' is to imagine an idea trying to 'wash' through people — if it does not pass cleanly, it 'won't wash' and people will not accept it.