Phrase guide

Caesar's wife must be above suspicion

proverb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

proverb

Meaning 1

Those in positions of authority should avoid even the implication of impropriety.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In 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.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: Caesars vrouw moet boven alle verdenking verheven zijn — Translations
  • French: la femme de César ne doit pas être soupçonnée — Translations
  • German: Cäsars Frau muss über jeden Verdacht erhaben sein — Translations
  • Spanish: la mujer del César no solo debe serlo — Translations