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We've got a proverb that could be translated as "The thief believes that everybody else is the same", meaning that if you have a negative trait of character you tend to believe that everybody is going to have the same trait and act accordingly. We're trying to find an equivalent English proverb or idiomatic expression, but I can't for the life of me remember if there is one or what it is... can y'all help? Leftpond and rightpond expressions will be equally welcome. Thanks! 
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Joined: Oct 2003
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I can only think of this,
"Birds of a feather flock together.",
but it does not always have a negative connotation.
They might be good birds, owls for example.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Write it in Spanish, Marianna. That might help trigger something.
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Many times I've heard variations on "cheaters always think everyone is doing it."
I don't know that it's reached the status of proverb, but it's a pretty common notion.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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Can't think of an exact match off hand, Marianna, but there is the common saying "it takes one to know one", typically used as a retort to someone commenting adversely on your status as, for example, a liar.
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The only one that comes to my mind when I read this is "The exception proves the rule."
Rev. Alimae
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
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I don't know of a proverb, Marianna, but it sure is a true statement! So many people have made responses based on their incorrect assumption of my intentions that I've finally gotten over being astonished (most of the time) and go straight to being angry.
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Quote:
Write it in Spanish, Marianna. That might help trigger something.
That's right, it might be useful: Cree el ladrón que todos son de su condición .
For the moment, Mav's It takes one to know one sounds the closest to the meaning of our proverb above: something like "you are wrongfully accusing me of this because you yourself are like that".
Thanks for your suggestions, everyone!
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old hand
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old hand
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responses based on their incorrect assumption of my intentions - Do people really react to intentions ? I would have guessed they mainly react to impressions.
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