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.

Before Robby and Al-Hashimi engage in any real ideological tussles, though, she commits the cardinal sin of suggesting they change the trauma center’s nickname to something else.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

"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