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Eine weiße Weste haben

To have a clean record and nothing to hide; to be innocent of any wrongdoing

In German

Eine weiße Weste haben

ai-ne vai-se ves-te ha-ben

Literal Translation

To have a white vest

Meaning

To have a clean record and nothing to hide; to be innocent of any wrongdoing.

Equivalent:"To have clean hands; to have a clean record"

Origin:The exact origin is unclear; the phrase plays on white as the traditional color of purity and innocence, on which any stain would show at once.

Example Sentences

1
Trotz der Anschuldigungen konnte er beweisen, dass er eine weiße Weste hat.
Despite the accusations, he was able to prove that his record was clean.
2
Ein Politiker sollte eine weiße Weste haben.
A politician should have a spotless record.

FAQ

How do you say "To have a clean record and nothing to hide; to be innocent of any wrongdoing" in German?

"To have a clean record and nothing to hide; to be innocent of any wrongdoing" in German is "Eine weiße Weste haben" (ai-ne vai-se ves-te ha-ben). Example: Trotz der Anschuldigungen konnte er beweisen, dass er eine weiße Weste hat..

To talk oneself into believing something is better than it is, to sugarcoat a situation for oneself

Sich etwas schönreden

zikh et-vas shön-re-den

To present a situation to someone in an overly optimistic or unrealistic way, often to sugarcoat the truth

Jemandem die Welt rosa malen

ye-man-dem di velt ro-za ma-len

To deceive someone, to mislead them, to pull the wool over someone's eyes

Jemandem blauen Dunst vormachen

ye-man-dem blau-en dunst for-ma-khen

To be inexperienced, naive, or very young

Grün hinter den Ohren sein

gryun hin-ter den o-ren zain