leading sin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading sin" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in discussions about moral or ethical issues, particularly when referring to a sin that is considered to be a primary or significant one. Example: "In many religious teachings, pride is often regarded as the leading sin that can lead to other transgressions."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So instead of seriously entertaining any public solutions to what he has so convincingly demonstrated is a public problem, Critser ends by imploring us to eat less, get off our duffs and, incredibly, bring back gluttony as a leading sin.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many Muslim theologians could not accept the new festivities, branding them bidʿahs, innovations possibly leading into sin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To many outside his clique, Mr. Mullet's decision to have the women switch from caps to what others disparaged as "skimpy scarves" was one more sign that he was isolating his flock and leading them into sin.

The New York Times

William B. Helmreich, a college professor, is also uncomfortable with the way that "differentiation has become a sin," leading us to treat the holidays as if they were mashed potatoes, blended in a linguistic Cuisinart.

The New York Times

For those anxiously waiting for the chastisement, transformation and fulfillment to come because of a political world so full of violence, hatred and sin leading to death, be patient.

Huffington Post

He goes on to explain that his prior handler, the hapless Becky, was only interested in trying to save the arms dealer from a life of sin by leading him back to Christianity.

The New York Times - Books

Among the scripts for three television commercials the organization plans to film, one calls for Father Pavone to quote from the bishops' statement, urging lawmakers who support abortion rights to "consider the consequences for their own spiritual well-being, as well as the scandal they risk by leading others into serious sin".

The New York Times

Tigers then dominated up front, leading to a double sin-binning against a scrum unable to repel some intense pressure.

BBC

Newton could not add the extras and tempers flared a couple of minutes later when Michael Swift and Rob McCusker threw punches at each other, leading to a double sin-binning.

BBC

Used in excess, it can mask a range of sins, and many leading winemakers today try to use as little as possible.

The New York Times - Food

The UN Human Rights Council infuriates its Western members by focusing on Israel, ignoring the sins of its own leading members and bowing to Islamist pressure on religious questions.Meanwhile the main NGOs in the field face internal strains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing moral issues, use "leading sin" to refer to a primary or significant transgression that influences other sins or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "leading sin" to describe any minor or trivial wrongdoing. This phrase suggests a more fundamental or influential transgression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading sin" functions as a noun phrase, where "leading" modifies the noun "sin". Ludwig indicates that it is not a standard expression but can be used in discussions about morality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading sin" refers to a principal or primary sin, often considered the root of other transgressions. As Ludwig AI notes, it's not a standard expression, and other phrases like "cardinal sin" or "primary transgression" may be more common. While grammatically acceptable, its infrequent usage suggests careful consideration of context and audience. The term appears primarily in religious and philosophical discussions, highlighting its role in identifying and categorizing significant moral failings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a fundamental and influential sin rather than a minor wrongdoing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cardinal sin

Replaces "leading" with "cardinal", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the sin.

primary transgression

Substitutes "sin" with a more general term, "transgression", and keeps "primary" to indicate importance.

chief sin

Uses "chief" as a synonym for "leading", highlighting the main sin.

principal sin

Uses "principal" instead of "leading", denoting the most important sin.

fundamental sin

Replaces "leading" with "fundamental", stressing the basic or essential nature of the sin.

root of all sin

Focuses on the origin or cause of sin, rather than a specific type.

major vice

Replaces "sin" with "vice", referring to a significant moral failing.

dominant sin

Uses "dominant" to indicate the most powerful or influential sin.

overarching sin

Describes a sin that encompasses or influences other sins.

ultimate sin

Emphasizes the highest degree or worst form of sin.

FAQs

How can I use "leading sin" in a sentence?

You can use "leading sin" to refer to a primary transgression that influences other sins. For example, "In some religious teachings, pride is often considered the "leading sin" that can lead to other transgressions".

What is a good substitute for "leading sin"?

Alternatives to "leading sin" include "cardinal sin", "primary transgression", or "root of all sin", depending on the specific context.

Is "leading sin" a commonly used phrase?

No, "leading sin" is not a particularly common phrase. More frequent alternatives include "cardinal sin" or "primary sin".

What does "leading sin" mean in a religious context?

In a religious context, "leading sin" refers to a central or principal sin that is considered particularly serious or influential in leading to other sins.