original as sin

Referring to the Christian concept of original sin.

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original as sin (not comparable)

1. (simile) Very original.
   • 1824, The London Magazine, volume 9, page 529:

     Say what you will, once whispered a friend of mine, there are things in him strong as poison, and original as sin.

   • 1881–1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, London, Paris: Cassell & Company, published 14 November 1883, →OCLC:

     But I had no guess of it then as I sat writing by the fireside, in what seemed the spring-tides of a somewhat pedestrian inspiration; nor yet day by day, after lunch, as I read aloud my morning's work to the family. It seemed to me original as sin; it seemed to belong to me like my right eye.

• ugly as sin