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holier than the Pope
more Catholic than the Popeholier than the pope
01
so extreme and strict in one's adherence to a set of rules, norms, behaviors, etc. that it exeeds what is considered usual
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "holier than the Pope" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "holier than the Pope" is not well-documented, but it likely evolved from the concept of religious piety and the comparison of one's perceived moral superiority to that of the Pope, who is considered the highest authority in the Roman Catholic Church. It is used to describe someone who acts or presents themselves as morally superior, excessively pious, or self-righteous, often to the point of being hypocritical or judgmental of others.
Examples
Do n't listen to her; she acts holier than the Pope, yet she is not as charitable as she claims to be.
If she becomes a nun, she'll dedicate her life to service without being more Catholic than the Pope or looking down on others.
