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etymology - The meaning of the English idiom "pot calling the kettle black"


I would like to know something more about this idiom and how North American or English speaking people use it.




  1. Is the idiom considered outdated or offensive by young people?




  2. When is "pot calling the kettle black" most commonly used, in formal or informal occasions?




This question was prompted by my teacher who told me that young people were probably unaware of its origins and its true meaning.




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