What Does 'Wash One’s Hands of Something' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句） -N0.540-

What Does 'Wash One’s Hands of Something' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句)

Introduction:
Have you ever been so frustrated with a situation that you decided to stop being involved altogether? In English, when we completely refuse further responsibility or involvement, we say we “wash our hands of” something.

1. What Does 'Wash One’s Hands of Something' Mean?
To “wash one’s hands of something” means to stop taking responsibility for it, to refuse to be involved any longer, or to cut ties with a troublesome issue.

2. When to Use It
Use this phrase when you want to express that you are done with a problem or situation and will no longer be responsible for it.

Example:
A: Are you still helping with that project?
B: No, it’s a total mess. I’ve washed my hands of it.

3. 日本語の同じような表現
日本語では、「手を引く」や「関わるのをやめる」、「もう知らない」といった表現が近いです。問題から距離を置き、責任を放棄する時に使います。

Conclusion:
When you decide to step away from a problem or stop taking responsibility, you can say you “wash your hands of it.” It’s a clear way to show you’ve had enough.

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