11th commandment

The idiom "11th commandment" has a distinct history associated with it, although its origin remains uncertain. The phrase is used to convey an unwritten rule or principle believed to be as important as the Ten Commandments mentioned in the Bible. It can be traced back to at least the mid-19th century.

One theory suggests that the idiom emerged to emphasize the significance and authority of rules or beliefs not explicitly stated in religious texts. By adding an eleventh commandment, individuals convey unparalleled importance or moral duty. This interpretation aligns with the belief that the Ten Commandments set forth fundamental principles of morality and that an eleventh commandment would serve as a metaphorical expansion of those principles.

Another possibility is that the idiom originated as a play on the expression "breaking the eleventh commandment." This expression means engaging in ethically or morally wrong activities. It highlights the notion that the existing ten commandments are comprehensive and cover a wide range of moral obligations. In this context, any transgression not mentioned in the Ten Commandments can be seen as a breach of the unwritten 11th commandment.

The idiom "11th commandment" has found its way into political and social discourse. It suggests the existence of an unspoken rule or ethical guideline that should not be violated. It reinforces the importance of adhering to certain principles or values. The idiom has evolved to represent a concept beyond religious connotations, emphasizing the existence of an abstract moral or ethical code that goes beyond what is explicitly stated.

Related to the idiom "11th commandment" is the expression "rule of thumb." The rule of thumb refers to a general principle or rule based on experience rather than strict scientific measurement. It originates from the practice of using the width of a thumb as an approximate measure. Just like the idiom "11th commandment," the rule of thumb represents an unwritten guideline that is widely accepted and followed.