Takes one to know one Meaning in English

expression

US

TAYKS-wuhn-TOO-noh-wuhn

UK

TAYKS-won-TOO-noh-won

Definición

This expression means that only someone with a certain quality or fault can recognize it in others, often used as a witty comeback when accused of a bad trait.

Uso & Matices

Informal, usually humorous or witty, often said as a comeback to an accusation. The tone depends on context—can sound playful, teasing, or defensive. Not usually used for positive traits.

• Spanish: hace falta uno para conocer a otro - solo alguien igual lo sabe
• Portuguese (BR): só se reconhece quem é igual - só alguém igual percebe
• Portuguese (PT): só alguém igual reconhece - só se sabe quem é igual
• Chinese (Simplified): 一个萝卜一个坑（比喻）- 懂得的人才懂得
• Chinese (Traditional): 一個蘿蔔一個坑（比喻）- 懂的人才懂
• Hindi: जैसा होगा वैसा पहचानेगा - अपने जैसा ही पहचान सकता है
• Arabic: لا يعرف اللئيم إلا اللئيم - لا يفهمه إلا من يشبهه
• Bengali: চোর চোর মারলে চোর চেনা যায় - চোর চোর বললে নিজের চোর ধরা পড়ে
• Russian: сам дурак - кто бы говорил
• Japanese: 同じ穴の狢だよ - 自分のことを言っているんじゃない？
• Vietnamese: người nào giống thì mới nhận ra - biết nhau mới nói nhau
• Korean: 너도 똑같아 - 네가 그러니까 알지
• Turkish: körle yatan şaşı kalkar - atı alan Üsküdar’ı geçti (esprili olarak)
• Urdu: چور کی داڑھی میں تنکا - آپ خود بھی ویسے ہی ہیں
• Indonesian: sesama penipu saling mengenal - maling teriak maling

Oraciones de Ejemplo

You call me messy? Well, takes one to know one.

basic

My brother laughed and said, 'takes one to know one,' when I called him a joker.

basic

She replied 'takes one to know one' when accused of cheating at the game.

basic

So you're saying I'm late? Takes one to know one, huh!

natural

Whenever he calls me a show-off, I just shrug and say, 'takes one to know one.'

natural

If you spotted the liar, maybe that's because takes one to know one!

natural