Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
English
editEtymology
editIn 62 BC Publius Clodius Pulcher sneaked into the festival of the Bona Dea, hosted by Julius Caesar’s wife, Pompeia, with the intention of seducing her, leading to Publius’s arrest and trial. After the trial, Caesar divorced Pompeia, and when questioned said “my wife ought not even to be under suspicion,” as Pompeia was under suspicion of illicit behavior.
Proverb
editCaesar's wife must be above suspicion
- (proverb) Those in positions of authority should avoid even the implication of impropriety.
Alternative forms
edit- Caesar's wife must be above reproach
- Caesar's wife should be above suspicion
- Caesar's wife should be above reproach
Related terms
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