Proverbs with the word Clean

A clean hand wants no washing

This proverb conveys the idea that a person who has done no wrong has no need to confess or seek forgiveness. The proverb also implies that if... Read more →

New brooms sweep clean

People newly appointed to post tend to make big changes. Like new brooms, they do their work thoroughly. When Mrs Bristow retired, Miss Parsons... Read more →

Don’t pour out the dirty water before you have clean

In countries where water is in short supply it has to be carefully and sparingly used. By extension the proverb means that you should not... Read more →

Cleanliness is next to godliness

Cleanliness can be defined as 'diligence in keeping clean in person and dress'; and 'next to' means 'second only to'. Francis Bacon wrote in his... Read more →

If each would sweep before his own door, we should have a clean city

This had a literal meaning in the days when householders got rid of their refuse by throwing it out into the street. A figurative meaning,... Read more →