What does "it takes one to know one" mean?

Question

what does "it takes one to know one" mean?

give examples of how to use in sentences.

Answer 1

I believe it means that no one else can know you more then you yourself can.

More simplified, it means you know yourself most.

It can't be put into everyday sentences, since it's not spoken everyday. It's a quote.

Answer 2

It is usually used in a mocking or derogative way. "He says that Steve, of all people, is a complete idiot." "Well it takes one to know one."

: : Here is another phrase: "He says that Steve, of all people, is a complete idiot." "Well, that's the pot calling the kettle black."

: Two more equivalent phrases:

: "Look who's talking."

: "YOU should talk!"

IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE - "Only a person with identical character traits would be able to recognize those traits in someone else. Often used as a curt rejoinder to deflect an accusation; you're only saying that about me because it's true of you. Originated in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board...

Idioms: it takes one to know one

The person who expressed criticism has similar faults to the person being criticized. This classic retort to an insult dates from the early 1900s. For example, You say she's a terrible cook? It takes one to know one! For a synonym, see pot calling the kettle black. A near equivalent is the proverbial it takes a thief to catch a thief, meaning "no one is better at finding a wrongdoer than another wrongdoer." First recorded in 1665, it remains current.

http://www.answers.com/It%20takes%20one%...

Answer 3

You're an idiot!

Takes one to know one!

guy is basically saying, the only way you know im an idiot is because you're an idiot too so you know what an idiot is

it's a poor mans response to a verbal insult

like "gee I couldn't think of anything clever to retaliate with, so "it takes one to know one""

Answer 4

It refers to the fact that if you can label someone with a derogatory name, then you must understand the term very well ...you must be the same as the name you are calling another person.

Ex. "You are crazy!" The reply would be,"It takes one to know one."