cardinal sin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Perhaps the cardinal sin in Garten’s Thanksgiving guidebook is waiting until the very last minute to prepare and serve your Thanksgiving meal.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

"It was like a cardinal sin," Dawn Butler told the Commons during a debate on St Patrick's Day and Northern Irish affairs.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2025

But laughing at the Fuhrer is perhaps the cardinal sin when living under fascism—this is no joke.

From Slate • Feb. 16, 2025

If you’re an opinion journalist, a cardinal sin is to express a view you really don’t believe — or stoop to fabrication.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2023

Unlike most American weddings I’ve attended, Iranian weddings call for formal clothing—it’s a cardinal sin to show up wearing a summer dress or something perfectly appropriate for a Sunday church service.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi