Like father like son

Meaning

The idiom "like father like son" means that two people share similar qualities, characteristics, or behaviors. It is a metaphorical expression that compares two individuals based on their resemblance or traits.

Usage

• "John and his father have always been very close. They are both tall, athletic men with a passion for sports." (literal comparison)
• "Despite being the same age, Michael and his cousin look like they could be twins. They both have the same haircut and style." (physical resemblance)
• "The company's CEO and his predecessor were both known for their innovative ideas and creative thinking." (similar qualities)
• "After growing up in a house with strict rules and expectations, Tom learned how to be responsible and organized from his father. These traits have carried over into his adult life." (characteristics)
• "The new CEO's leadership style is similar to that of his mentor, who had led the company for years. They both believe in empowering their employees and focusing on customer satisfaction." (behaviors)

Roots and History

The earliest known use of this idiom can be traced back to 15th century English literature. The phrase appears in a collection of proverbs from 1470 called "The Book of Sayings" by John Heywood, which states, "Like father like sonne." In the following centuries, the expression evolved and became more commonly used as a metaphorical comparison between two people.

Synonyms in English

• Like mother like daughter
• Birds of a feather flock together
• Similar fish swim in similar schools

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "De padres like hijos" (From fathers like sons)
• French: "Le fils ressemble au père" (The son resembles the father)
• German: "Väter wie Söhne" (Fathers like sons)
• Italian: "Padre e figlio sono uguali" (Father and son are equal)

Similar Idioms

• lose head

• lights are on but nobody is home

• line in the sand