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/Sounds like "lah" (as in "lava") + "BAHR" (as in "bar") + "seh" (as in "set") + "LAHS" (as in "lava") + "MAH" (as in "mark") + "nohs" (as in "note")/

Meaning

To wash one's hands of a problem, to disclaim responsibility for something when it's most needed. This phrase is often used to describe someone who abandons others in a difficult situation.

Examples

He washed his hands of the project when it started to fail.

Don't wash your hands of this, you're part of the team.

Regional synonyms

The small neighborhood corner store where you can find anything at any hour. It's the lifesaver when the supermarket's closed, you forgot something, and need to grab it within a block's walk.