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.