The phrase "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" is a well-known English idiom that warns against hypocrisy. It suggests that individuals who are vulnerable to criticism themselves should avoid criticizing others.
This expression dates back to at least the 17th century. One of the earliest known versions appears in George Herbert’s 1651 collection Outlandish Proverbs: “Whose house is of glass, must not throw stones at another.” The idea has roots even earlier in classical literature and biblical teachings about judgment and mercy.
The core message is simple: if you yourself are flawed or guilty of similar faults, you shouldn’t criticize others for theirs. It encourages self-awareness and humility before passing judgment.
Today, the idiom is often shortened to “people in glass houses” and used in discussions about fairness, accountability, and double standards—especially in politics, media, and everyday conversations.