Hypocrisy & Pretense: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that people should avoid pointing out faults in others if they themselves have similar or worse faults

"Do not criticise others if you have the same faults — people who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

"He refused to judge his colleague's mistakes, knowing full well that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

used to suggest that before trying to address or correct the faults of others, a person should first focus on addressing their own shortcomings and improving themselves

"Do not advise others on what you cannot do yourself — physician, heal thyself."

"He lectured the team on time management while consistently missing his own deadlines — physician, heal thyself."

used to suggest that sweet talk or flattery may be used to manipulate or deceive others, emphasizing the need to be cautious of those who use such tactics

"Kind words can hide a cruel heart — a honey tongue, a heart of gall."

"He was charming in every interaction and utterly ruthless in every decision — a honey tongue, a heart of gall."

used for saying that someone who makes a lot of noise or threats is unlikely to act upon them with any real harm or action

"Those who threaten most rarely act — barking dogs seldom bite."

"His aggressive emails were never followed up — barking dogs seldom bite."

used to suggest that a person should act in a way that is consistent with the image they want to project to others, emphasizing the importance of being authentic in one's behavior

"Be what you appear to be — be what you would seem to be."

"She had no patience for people who performed virtue they did not practise — be what you would seem to be."

used to advise others to follow the speaker's advice or instructions, even if the speaker does not set a good example by following them

"Do not expect others to follow rules you break yourself — do as I say and not as I do."

"The manager enforced punctuality while arriving late every day — do as I say and not as I do."

used to imply that those who are least knowledgeable or skilled tend to be the most talkative, while the more knowledgeable ones are often quieter

"Those who say the least often have the least to say — empty vessels make the most sound."

"He was the loudest person in every meeting and the least informed — empty vessels make the most noise."

used to suggest that the person's apparent politeness and charm may be used as a means to achieve their own interests or objectives

"Watch him, he is full of courtesy, full of craft."

"His overly polite demeanor masked his true intentions; he was full of courtesy, full of craft."