The phrase "washed hands of" has a spelling that can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "washed," is pronounced as /wɒʃt/, with the "a" sound represented by "/ɒ/" and the "sh" sound represented by "/ʃ/". The second word, "hands," is pronounced as /hændz/, with the "a" sound represented by "/æ/" and the "d" sound represented by "/z/". The phrase is typically used to indicate a sense of disassociation or lack of responsibility for a particular situation or outcome.
To wash one's hands of something is an idiomatic expression that means to distance oneself from or to disclaim any responsibility or involvement in a particular matter or situation. It signifies a deliberate action of separating oneself from any association or accountability for the consequences or outcomes of an event, decision, or problem.
The phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of relinquishing or freeing oneself from any connection or duty towards a specific issue. It implies a conscious decision to no longer be responsible for the course of action or the resulting consequences of a situation.
Washing one's hands of something often suggests a feeling of frustration, disillusionment, or exasperation, as it denotes a final act of disengagement or resignation from attempting to resolve or address a problem. It usually indicates that the individual has become weary or disinterested due to past unsuccessful attempts to make a positive difference.
This expression derives from the biblical reference of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor during the trial of Jesus, who symbolically washed his hands to symbolize his innocence or lack of involvement in Jesus' crucifixion. Consequently, the phrase has become metaphorical in general usage to express one's desire to absolve themselves completely from any blame or account for an undesirable situation.