Idiom B2

Cut from the same cloth

Very similar to one another in character, attitude, or background

Meaning

Cut from the same cloth means that two or more people are very similar in their character, attitudes, values, or background. The image is that they were made from the same material, so they share the same essential qualities. Literal: pieces of fabric cut from one bolt of cloth. Figurative: people who are fundamentally alike.

Origin & History

The phrase comes from tailoring. When a tailor makes a matching suit or set of garments, every piece is cut from a single bolt of cloth so that the colour, pattern, and texture match perfectly. Pieces from the same cloth are guaranteed to be alike.

From this practical idea grew the figurative meaning that people who are 'cut from the same cloth' share the same nature, just as matching garments share the same fabric. The expression has been common in English since at least the 16th century and is still widely used today.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
The two coaches are cut from the same cloth: tough but fair.Sport, leadership style
My grandmother and my mother are cut from the same cloth.Family, character
These politicians are all cut from the same cloth.Politics, sameness
The new manager and her mentor are cut from the same cloth.Work, values

How to Use It

The idiom is used as a phrase after 'be', usually with a plural or compound subject: they are cut from the same cloth. It is neutral and works in both speech and writing. It can be positive or negative depending on the shared trait, and it stresses deep similarity rather than a surface resemblance.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

He is cut from the same cloth.

He and his brother are cut from the same cloth. — You need at least two people to compare.

They are cut from the same clothes.

They are cut from the same cloth. — 'Cloth' (uncountable fabric) is the fixed word, not 'clothes'.

They are cut of the same cloth quickly.

They are cut from the same cloth. — Keep the fixed wording 'from the same cloth'.

Similar Idioms

Two peas in a pod The apple doesn't fall far from the tree See eye to eye All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "cut from the same cloth" mean?
Two or more people who are very similar in character, values, or behaviour.
Where does "cut from the same cloth" come from?
The phrase comes from tailoring. When a tailor makes a matching suit or set of garments, every piece is cut from a single bolt of cloth so that the colour, pattern, and texture match perfectly. Pieces from the same cloth are guaranteed to be alike.
Can you give an example of "cut from the same cloth" in a sentence?
"The two coaches are cut from the same cloth: tough but fair." Another: "My grandmother and my mother are cut from the same cloth."
Is "cut from the same cloth" formal or informal?
It is neutral. It works comfortably in both everyday speech and more formal writing such as articles and reports.
What CEFR level is "cut from the same cloth"?
B2. Learners need to link the tailoring image to the idea of deep similarity, which suits upper-intermediate students.
Can "cut from the same cloth" describe things, not just people?
It is used mainly for people who share a character or outlook, but it can sometimes describe organisations or products that share the same essential style or quality.
What are common mistakes with "cut from the same cloth"?
Common mistakes include using it for one person, saying 'clothes' instead of 'cloth', and changing 'from' to 'of'. The fixed form is 'cut from the same cloth'.
What idioms are similar to "cut from the same cloth"?
Related expressions include 'two peas in a pod', 'birds of a feather', and 'a chip off the old block'. The closest is 'birds of a feather'.
Can "cut from the same cloth" be used in writing?
Yes. It is a vivid, widely understood phrase suitable for journalism, profiles, and essays as well as everyday writing.
How do I practise idioms like "cut from the same cloth"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try using "cut from the same cloth" in a sentence of your own to connect the idiom to a real situation.