if the shoe fits, wear it

Etymology:

• This expression originates from the famous old expression in 18th century “If the cap fits, put it on”. The ‘cap’ in the expression was taken as a dunce cap (indicating the wearer is stupid), later the “cap” was changed to slipper from the popularity of famous tale of Cinderella. In 19th century, a playwright changed the expression as “If slipper fits, wear it”. Later ‘slipper’ was replaced with “shoe” that clearly refers to put on a shoe that fits you suggesting admitting that what you were accused of is true.