The pot calling the kettle black
/ðə pɒt ˈkɔːlɪŋ ðə ˈketl blæk/informalUK · US
What does “The pot calling the kettle black” mean?
The pot calling the kettle black means criticising someone for a fault you also have
If your habitually late friend complains that you are five minutes late, you might call it the pot calling the kettle black. Both people share the fault.
It challenges the critic’s consistency. It does not prove that the criticism itself is false.
When do people say it?
Use it to point out hypocrisy, especially when a person criticises behaviour they regularly show themselves.
“He calls me untidy, but his room is worse. That's the pot calling the kettle black.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The picture is of two cooking vessels both blackened by soot. One looks foolish for criticising the other for being black.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “The pot calling the kettle black” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01