If the shoe fits, wear it
Meaning: Accept criticism that accurately applies to you.
Origin: The American form of the British "if the cap fits, wear it," where the cap was a fool's cap. Daniel Defoe used the cap version in 1705. In North America the cap became a shoe by the late 18th century, perhaps under the influence of Cinderella's slipper.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Si le chapeau vous va, portez-le (literally: If the hat fits you, wear it)
- Spanish: Al que le quede el guante, que se lo ponga (literally: Whoever the glove fits, put it on)
- Japanese: 当てはまるなら認めよ (Atehamaru nara mitomeyo) (literally: If it applies, accept it)
- German: Getroffene Hunde bellen (literally: Dogs that have been hit are the ones that bark)
More proverbs about Morality
- The fish rots from the head down — Problems in an organization or society start at the top, with its leaders.
- The axe forgets, but the tree remembers — Those who cause harm often forget quickly, while those who suffer carry the wound far lon…
- A house divided against itself cannot stand — Internal conflict destroys an organization from within; unity is essential for survival.
- Judge not, lest ye be judged — We should refrain from judging others because we ourselves are imperfect.
- If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your own path — Helping others ultimately benefits yourself as well.
- There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience — Peace of mind and restful sleep come only from living and acting honorably.
From our untranslatable words
- Chōu kōng — To steal a moment of escape from a hectic schedule — finding a sliver of free time and us…
- Jugaad — A creative, frugal fix — a clever improvised solution that gets things done with whatever…
- Cafuné — The tender act of running your fingers through someone's hair — an intimate gesture of lo…