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on one's conscience
01
(of an unfortunate event) making one feel extreme guilt or sadness
Formal
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "on one's conscience" and when to use it?
The phrase "on one's conscience" has its roots in the Latin word "conscientia," which means "knowledge within oneself" or "consciousness." The concept of conscience and its association with moral responsibility has been present in human societies for centuries. This idiom can be heard in conversations, debates, or discussions related to ethics, morality, and personal integrity. It is often used to emphasize the weight of guilt or remorse that someone carries due to their actions, highlighting the inner conflict and sense of responsibility they experience.
Example
I don't want that on my conscience.
The painful truth about her past mistakes weighed heavily on her conscience.
If something were to happen to you, it would weigh heavily on my conscience.
If anything were to occur, I couldn't bear having it on my conscience.
I don't want a burglary to happen while we're away and have it on my conscience.
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