Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

it takes one to know one

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.09 in modern English

Syllables: it -takes one -to -know one
IPA

30

Scrabble Score

19

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

Expressing the same underlying character-judgment themes as pot calling the kettle black or set a thief to catch a thief.

proverb

A retort to a negative accusation, implying that the accuser shares the fault.

Colloquial

Example Sentences

"They hired the most devious scammers they could find and paid them quite well to do some red-team work, because it takes one to know one."
"Bob: You're an idiot!"
"Tony: Takes one to know one!"
"There's an unkind saying that it takes one to know one, and it's almost true."
"Anyone who appreciates Shakespeare as this author unquestionably does is another Shakespeare — it takes one to know one!"
"“I’ve got a bad egg,” said Bervick. “I guess this was a pre-war egg.” […] “It takes one to know one,” said the Chief, referring back to the eggs."

Usage

Colloquial

Inflected Forms

takes one to know one (alternative)

Phrases

if the shoe fits, wear it I know you are but what am I look who's talking

Frequently Paired Words

if the shoe fits, wear it I know you are but what am I look who's talking

Questions

What does it takes one to know one mean?: Expressing the same underlying character-judgment themes as pot calling the kettle black or set a thief to catch a thief.

How to pronounce it takes one to know one

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