cut from the same cloth

Meaning

This idiom is used to describe two or more people who are very similar in character, beliefs, or behavior. It suggests that they share the same fundamental nature, much like pieces of clothing made from the same bolt of fabric. It is commonly used in relationships, family contexts, or when comparing colleagues.

Examples

• My father and I are cut from the same cloth; we both lose our tempers easily but calm down just as quickly.

  My father and I are cut from the same cloth; we both lose our tempers easily but calm down just as quickly.

• You can tell those two sisters are cut from the same cloth by the way they both laugh at the same jokes.

  You can tell those two sisters are cut from the same cloth by the way they both laugh at the same jokes.

• I knew we would get along because we are cut from the same cloth when it comes to our work ethic.

  I knew we would get along because we are cut from the same cloth when it comes to our work ethic.

• They may argue a lot, but at the end of the day, they are cut from the same cloth.

  They may argue a lot, but at the end of the day, they are cut from the same cloth.

• Our new manager and the CEO are cut from the same cloth, so expect similar policies around the office.

  Our new manager and the CEO are cut from the same cloth, so expect similar policies around the office.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My brother and I are cut of the same cloth.

  ✓ My brother and I are cut from the same cloth.

  The standard idiom always uses the preposition 'from', referring to the source fabric. Avoid using 'of' or 'with'.

• ✗ They share the same values because they are cut from the same clothes.

  ✓ They share the same values because they are cut from the same cloth.

  Do not confuse 'cloth' (the fabric) with 'clothes' (the garments). The singular noun 'cloth' is required for this idiom.

Related Expressions

Practice

• My best friend and I are ___ — we even finish each other's sentences.

  💡 Think of a phrase comparing two people to the same piece of fabric.

  Show answer

  cut from the same cloth

• It's no surprise that they both love classical music; those two are clearly ___.

  💡 The phrase indicates they share the same fundamental nature or tastes.

  Show answer

  cut from the same cloth