Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
Meaning: People in prominent positions must avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The minister returned the gifts at once: Caesar's wife must be above suspicion.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: According to Plutarch, Julius Caesar divorced his wife Pompeia in 62 BC after a scandal, though he did not claim she was guilty, saying his wife should not even be suspected.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: La femme de César ne doit pas être soupçonnée — literally: Caesar's wife must not be suspected
More idioms — Daily Life
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- be a third wheel — To be an unwanted extra person with a couple.
- have a seat at the table — To be included in the discussions where decisions are made.
- find Mr. Right — To find the ideal romantic partner.
- all roads lead to Rome — There are many ways to reach the same goal.
- shut up shop — To close a business, either for the day or for good.
More English idioms
- like a bat out of hell — Extremely fast.
- a snake-oil salesman — A swindler who sells fake remedies or worthless solutions.
- it doesn't take a rocket scientist — Something is easy to understand; no special intelligence is needed.
- do a moonlight flit — To leave one's home secretly at night, usually to avoid paying rent or debts.
- pipped at the post — To be beaten at the very last moment.
- twiddle one's thumbs — To do nothing while waiting or out of boredom.
From our untranslatable words
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