More common version of the original "If the shoe fits, wear it"; If it has all of the characteristics of a thing, it probably is that thing.
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.
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"Everyone keeps calling me a bully!" "Well, if the shoe fits...".
Submitted on September 01, 2009
Modified by TriplePurple on March 21, 2024
Translation
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als de schoen past
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Nearby phrases
Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to if the shoe fits
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Dropwait for the other shoe to dropwhat foot the shoe is onif the cap fitsShoe in the Other Footwhich foot the shoe is onif the shoe fits, wear itshoe treeput the same shoe on every footpeeble in own shoewhere the shoe pinchessoft shoewait for the other shoe to dropwhose foot the shoe is on
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"if the shoe fits." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/if-the-shoe-fits_4616>.
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