wie Pilatus ins Credo

German

Etymology

Literally: “like Pilate [got] into the creed”. Both the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed mention, apart from Jesus himself, only two human beings: Pilate and the Virgin Mary. This may be regarded an undue honour to the former; even if his being mentioned is in a negative context.

Phrase

wie Pilatus ins Credo

  1. (now rare) undeservingly; in an unearned way; by chance
    Mein Chef ist zu seinem Job gekommen wie Pilatus ins Credo.
    My boss got his job like Pilate got into the creed.

Usage notes
  • Most often construed with the verb kommen as above.
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