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if the shoe fits

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

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als de schoen past

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    "if the shoe fits." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/if-the-shoe-fits_4616>.

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