to cast the first stone

The phrase "to cast the first stone" is a biblical expression, originating from a story in the New Testament of the Bible (John 8:7). It is used metaphorically to caution against judging or condemning others when one is not without fault. The story involves a crowd preparing to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery. When Jesus challenges them, stating, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her," everyone drops their stones and leaves. Therefore, the phrase "to cast the first stone" means to be the first to condemn or judge someone while disregarding one's own flaws or mistakes.