it takes one to know one

Idioms

The person who expressed criticism has similar faults to the person being criticized. This classic retort to an insult dates from the early 1900s. For example, You say she's a terrible cook? It takes one to know one! For a synonym, see pot calling the kettle black. A near equivalent is the proverbial it takes a thief to catch a thief, meaning “no one is better at finding a wrongdoer than another wrongdoer.” First recorded in 1665, it remains current.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said it takes one to know one.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

I guess you could say, it takes one to know one.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

Well, first of all, Dean, it takes one to know one.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2023

Once again, it takes one to know one.

From New York Times • Aug. 25, 2021

“Well, they say it takes one to know one, don’t they?” she mused.

From "How to Disappear Completely" by Ali Standish

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023