Like will to like.
Meaning: People naturally gravitate toward and trust those who share their values, interests, or circumstances.
Origin: Recorded in English from the late 14th century. The idea is ancient: Homer's Odyssey says the god always brings like to like, and Cicero quoted the old proverb that equals most easily mix together.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, German, and Italian
- French: Qui se ressemble s’assemble (literally: Like will to like)
- Spanish: Cada oveja con su pareja (literally: Each sheep with its own mate)
- Japanese: 類は友を呼ぶ (Rui wa tomo o yobu) (literally: Like kind calls forth friends)
- German: Gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern (literally: Like and like gladly keep company)
- Italian: Simili con simili vanno (literally: Like will to like)
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