Question about an expression

[Nordic Bill]

I was just wondering how to finish off this expression (in relation to people who are in no position to critize others) ...

Is it correct to say: "They should clean up their own backyard before telling other people ...

... how to behave".
... how to be".

Or should one simply stick to the more general: "Some people should take a look in the mirror" even though there is no doubt as to whom the speaker is targeting with the remark?

The more I repeat them, the more correct they all start to sound! Any better or more popular versions are also welcome!

Thanx ...

[Temico]

"They should clean up their own backyard before telling other people ...how to keep their backyards clean." or

"They should clean up their own backyard before finding faults with other people." or perhaps,
"The teapot calling the kettle black"

[rathibal01]

We can also say " people living in glass houses should not throw stones"

[Supergirl]

You can not take the speck out of your brother's eye before taking the log out of your own.

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by Nordic Bill

Is it correct to say: "They should clean up their own backyard before telling other people ...

... how to behave".

... how to be".

What about?



. . . how to behave.

. . . what to do.

They should clean up their own backyard first. (short and sweet)

Or should one simply stick to the more general: "Some people should take a look in the mirror" even though there is no doubt as to whom the speaker is targeting with the remark?

In addition,

Some people should mind their own business.

[Archie]

"Speak for yourself"?????

[Nordic Bill]

These are all great. Thanks to all.

[Pierre 1]

How to behave I think is perfectly correct......maybe someone could now help me....we have a dispute in the house as follows:

Imagine you are in a classroom and the teacher is asking each pupil if they have a pencil......the teacher looks at Peter and asks "Do you have a pencil"?

Peter does have a pencil and so what would you expect the reply would be

"Yes thank you" or "Yes I have"

[Casiopea]

Weclome.

Originally Posted by Pierre 1

. . . the teacher looks at Peter and asks "Do you have a pencil"? Peter does have a pencil and so what would you expect the reply would be, "Yes thank you" or "Yes I have"

If I were Peter, I'd say, "Yes, I do." (But that's just me and my North American English.)