Signification
To distance oneself from a problem
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a staple in Indonesian media. It is often used to criticize the 'culture of impunity' where high-ranking officials avoid consequences by sacrificing subordinates. While Indonesia is majority Muslim, the idiom (of Christian origin) is used by everyone. However, Islamic concepts of 'Amanah' (trust/responsibility) make the act of 'cuci tangan' particularly shameful in a religious context. In Indonesian 'Gotong Royong' (communal work), if you leave before the work is done, you might be jokingly or seriously accused of 'cuci tangan.' On Indonesian social media (X/Twitter, Instagram), 'cuci tangan' is often used to describe 'clarification videos' that don't actually admit fault.
Context is King
If you hear 'cuci tangan' in a news report about a crime, it's 100% the idiom. If you hear it in a restaurant, it's 99% literal.
Don't use with 'Me-'
Avoid saying 'Saya sedang mencuci tangan dari masalah ini' in casual talk. It sounds like you are literally washing your hands while talking about the problem.
Signification
To distance oneself from a problem
Context is King
If you hear 'cuci tangan' in a news report about a crime, it's 100% the idiom. If you hear it in a restaurant, it's 99% literal.
Don't use with 'Me-'
Avoid saying 'Saya sedang mencuci tangan dari masalah ini' in casual talk. It sounds like you are literally washing your hands while talking about the problem.
The 'Lepas' Alternative
If you want to sound more advanced, use 'berlepas tangan' in formal writing. It's the sophisticated cousin of 'cuci tangan'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct meaning of 'cuci tangan' in this sentence: 'Andi cuci tangan setelah merusakkan komputer kantor.'
What is Andi doing?
In the context of breaking something, 'cuci tangan' means avoiding responsibility.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.
Jangan ____ tangan! Kamu juga ikut makan pizza ini, jadi kamu harus ikut bayar.
The idiom 'cuci tangan' fits here to tell someone not to avoid their share of the bill.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'cuci tangan'.
Which situation best describes 'cuci tangan'?
Blaming others to save oneself is the definition of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kenapa kamu diam saja saat Budi dituduh? Padahal kamu yang melakukannya!' B: 'Maaf, aku...'
'Terpaksa cuci tangan' (forced to wash hands/avoid blame) is a common way to express guilt about the act.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhat is Andi doing?
In the context of breaking something, 'cuci tangan' means avoiding responsibility.
Jangan ____ tangan! Kamu juga ikut makan pizza ini, jadi kamu harus ikut bayar.
The idiom 'cuci tangan' fits here to tell someone not to avoid their share of the bill.
Which situation best describes 'cuci tangan'?
Blaming others to save oneself is the definition of the idiom.
A: 'Kenapa kamu diam saja saat Budi dituduh? Padahal kamu yang melakukannya!' B: 'Maaf, aku...'
'Terpaksa cuci tangan' (forced to wash hands/avoid blame) is a common way to express guilt about the act.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be. If you accuse someone of it ('Kamu cuci tangan ya!'), it is a confrontation. If you use it to describe a third person, it's just a statement of fact.
No. It is almost exclusively used for avoiding blame or negative consequences.
'Cuci tangan' focuses on claiming innocence. 'Lepas tangan' focuses on the act of abandoning a duty or person.
Use 'Saya mencuci tangan' or simply 'Cuci tangan' if the context (like being in a bathroom) is clear.
Expressions liées
Lepas tangan
synonymTo abandon responsibility completely.
Lempar batu sembunyi tangan
similarTo do something bad and pretend you didn't.
Tangan kanan
contrastA right-hand man / trusted assistant.
Makan tangan
unrelatedTo be hit or to suffer a blow.
