It comes from a Bible verse in Matthew in which Pontius Pilate washes his hands of the decision to crucify Jesus Christ, but this expression has become widespread in certain English communities.
Kinatoka katika kifungu cha bibilia katika Mathayo ambapo Pilato aliosha mikono yake kutoka kwa uamuzi wa kusulubisha Yesu Kristo, lakini kimekuwa kifungu kinachotumika pakubwa katika baadhi ya jamii za Uingereza.