birds of a feather flock together

English edit

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Etymology edit

The expression appears to have surfaced in the 16th century, allegedly a literal translation of Plato's Republic.[1][2] In 1545, William Turner wrote a version of the expression in the Rescuing of Romish Fox: "Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together." One can, however, also compare the expression to Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 27:9: "Birds resort unto their like."

Pronunciation edit

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Proverb edit

birds of a feather flock together

  1. (idiomatic) People of similar character, background or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another; it is easier to establish friendships with people that one has a lot in common with.
    Synonyms: like attracts like, like likes like, apple does not fall far from the tree

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References edit

  • Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, →ISBN, p. 31.