holier-than-thou
/həʊliəðənˈðaʊ
/adjective
Characterized by an attitude of moral superiority: they had quite a critical, holier-than-thou approach...
- This self-righteousness, this bilious holier-than-thou attitude not only amazes me, it saddens me quite a bit too.
- This is about people and their holier-than-thou attitudes when it comes to picking and choosing their specific little tirades against humanity.
- I don't understand the holier-than-thou attitude from someone who has always seemed very level-headed and calm.
Synonyms
sanctimonious, self-righteous, complacent, smug, self-satisfied, priggish, pious, pietistic, Pharisaic;
Scottish unco guid
informal goody-goody, preachy
rare religiose