Reference for Meilah 27:4

רבי יוחנן אמר אסורה דלא בטלה עובד כוכבים

'Resh Lakish holds it is allowed', for [the idolator] surely thinks: If the idol did not save itse how could it save me.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' It is assumed that in their hearts the worshippers have abandoned this idol. It is no longer an object of worship.');">³</span>

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