The idiom 'To wash one's hands of
means:

Question

The idiom 'To wash one's hands of
 means:

Accepted Answer

The idiom "To wash one's hands of" means to refuse to accept responsibility or to distance oneself from a situation or decision. This expression originates from the biblical story of Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands to show that he did not want to be responsible for the decision to crucify Jesus. Therefore, Option 4, "To refuse to accept responsibility," is the correct interpretation of this idiom.

1. Explanation for Option 4:
   - The phrase is used when someone wants to indicate that they are no longer involved in or responsible for a particular matter. It signifies a deliberate act of disassociation from a situation, often to avoid blame or consequences. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of the idiom, making Option 4 the correct choice.

2. Explanation for why other options are incorrect:
   - Option 1: "To make money very rapidly" is incorrect because the idiom does not relate to financial gain or speed of earning money. It is about distancing oneself from responsibility, not about financial matters.
   - Option 2: "To live within his income" is incorrect because the idiom does not pertain to financial management or budgeting. It is about refusing responsibility, not about living within one's means.
   - Option 3: "To not to do as told" is incorrect because, while it involves a refusal, it does not capture the essence of the idiom, which is about disassociating from responsibility rather than simply disobeying instructions.

In conclusion, the idiom "To wash one's hands of" is best represented by Option 4, as it accurately conveys the act of refusing to accept responsibility, which is the core meaning of the expression.