it takes one to know one

The phrase "it takes one to know one" is a common retort used to suggest that someone who recognizes a fault in another likely shares that same fault.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic, colloquial)A response implying that the person making a negative accusation likely has the same flaw.

Example

  • When John called Mary a liar, she shot back, 'It takes one to know one!'
  • After being called lazy, he replied, 'It takes one to know one.'