‘If The Shoe Fits, Wear It’: Definition, Meaning, Examples

Have you ever heard someone say, 'If the shoe fits, wear it?' If so, you might be curious as to what it means. Not to worry; in this article, we'll explore the meaning of this popular idiom, its origins, and how to use it in a sentence.

If you just want to find out what it means, here's the short version:

• When someone says, 'If the shoe fits, wear it', they are advising you to accept criticism because they believe it to be true.

What Does 'If The Shoe Fits, Wear It' Mean?

The idiom 'if the shoe fits, wear it' is a way of telling someone that if a statement or criticism seems to be accurate, they should accept it rather than getting offended or defensive. It's often used when someone makes a general comment or observation, and another person feels that it accurately describes them.

Imagine, for example, that you're chatting with a friend and they complain that their boss remarked they are always lounging around in the office instead of working. You might say:

Well, it's true that you spend a lot of time procrastinating. If the shoe fits, wear it.

The phrase is a way of encouraging self-awareness and humility in the face of criticism or commentary. It's often shortened to 'If the shoe fits.'

Where Does 'If The Shoe Fits, Wear It' Come From?

While this phrase has been in use since at least the 18th century, there were earlier versions too. The original expression was 'If the cloak fits, wear it' and can be found in literature as early as 1593, in William Hooker's Of the Lawes of Ecclesiasticall Polite in the following passage:

Which cloake sitteth no lesse fit on the backe of their cause, than of the Anabaptists.

In the 1700s, it evolved to 'If the cap fits, wear it,' although this version was most commonly used in the UK. The Americans held on to 'If the shoe fits,' for which the earliest known use was in the New York Gazette & Weekly Mercury in 1773:

Why should Mr. Vanderbeck apply a general comparison to himself? Let those whom the shoe fits wear it.

The expression may be related to the idea of Cinderella's glass slipper from the fairy tale. In the story, the glass slipper is a perfect fit for Cinderella, and the prince uses it to identify her as the one he is searching for. The idiom may have evolved from this concept, suggesting that if a particular characterization or criticism fits someone well, they should 'wear' or accept it, just like Cinderella wore the slipper that fit her.

Examples in Sentences

Now that we've covered the meaning of this idiom and its origins, here are some examples of interactions between people where it is used.

Alice: "Someone said I'm always complaining about work."
Bob: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Maybe it's time to focus on solutions instead of just grievances."

James: "I heard a comment about my leadership style being too authoritative."
Sarah: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Consider adopting a more collaborative approach."

Mom: "I got criticized for being too overprotective."
Dad: "If the shoe fits, wear it. We should find a balance between keeping them safe and letting them explore."

Chris: "Someone mentioned I talk too much at parties."
Kelly: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Try engaging others in conversation and listening more."

Alex: "People say I'm too blunt with my clients."
Taylor: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Maybe consider expressing your thoughts with a bit more tact."

Lily: "I got feedback that I'm too competitive in group projects."
Jake: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Collaboration is key, and everyone's input matters."

Customer: "Someone complained that I'm not approachable."
Employee: "If the shoe fits, wear it. A friendly demeanor can make a big difference in customer interactions."

User 1: "People are saying I'm too argumentative in the forum."
User 2: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Consider a more constructive tone in your discussions."

Rachel: "I heard a comment about being too self-critical."
Tom: "Sorry to hear that Rachel, but if the shoe fits, wear it. Sometimes it's okay to acknowledge your strengths and achievements."

Team Member: "Someone mentioned our team lacks innovation."
Team Leader: "If the shoe fits, wear it. Let's brainstorm and encourage more creative thinking moving forward."

Other Ways to Say 'If the Shoe Fits, Wear It'

There are many other ways to say someone should take a long hard look at themselves. They're great to use if you're looking for alternative phrases.

• Take the hint.
• Own up to it.
• Face the music.
• Admit when you're wrong.
• Acknowledge the truth.
• Embrace feedback.
• Take it on the chin.
• Look in the mirror.

Concluding Thoughts

That concludes this article about this famous expression. To summarize, when somebody tells you 'If the shoe fits, wear it,' they mean you should try to be more receptive to criticism as there might be some truth to it.

Are you ready to learn more English phrases and expand your vocabulary? Check out our idioms blog for other idioms, expressions, sayings, and more!