if the shoe fits, wear it
If a description fits, it is probably the case; if an insult accurately describes you, you must bear it; if you take offence at an insult that was only implicitly directed at you, you admit the insult is true enough to be recognizable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“If the shoe fits, wear it.”
“He complained that the boss was being lazy, so when his colleague told him he was the lazy one, he said, if the shoe fits, wear it.”
“She did not name him directly, but when he took offense at her critique of dishonest people, she simply replied that if the shoe fits, wear it.”
- 01
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 02
as ever trod shoe-leather
As ever existed or lived.
- 03
canary fit
A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
- 04
does the Pope wear a funny hat
Obviously! Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic yes.
- 05
fit for a king
Lavish; luxurious.
- 06
fit out
To provide a thing, a group, a person or oneself with requisites; to kit out.
- 07
fit the bill
To satisfy a need; to serve a purpose; to fulfill specified requirements.
- 08
fit to be tied
Very agitated or distressed; also, very angry; enraged, furious.
Last updated August 10, 2026