Jeter la pierre

Expression: Jeter la pierre

Pronunciation: [zheu tay la pyehr]

Meaning: to accuse, blame; to criticize, be hard on

Literal translation: to throw the rock

Register: normal

Notes: The French expression jeter la pierre comes from the Bible:

   Que celui qui n'a jamais péché lui jette la première pierre.
   Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Today, jeter la pierre à quelqu'un can be used for assigning blame as well as for criticizing someone.

Examples:

   Avant de jeter la pierre à Grégoire, demande-lui d'expliquer ce qui s'est passé.
   Before accusing Grégoire, ask him to explain what happened.

   Elle ne comprend pas - ne lui jette pas la pierre.
   She doesn't understand - don't be too hard on her.

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