What does “Tarred with the same brush.” mean?
"Tarred with the same brush" means that when people are accused of something negative, others may assume that everyone associated with them is guilty as well, similar to being "guilty by association."
What context can I use the in?
Example
Just because one person in the group made a mistake, it doesn't mean we are all guilty. We shouldn't be tarred with the same brush.
Example
The media often portrays politicians as corrupt, and as a result, the public tends to believe that all politicians are dishonest. It's unfair to tar everyone with the same brush.
Example
One bad experience with a customer doesn't mean that all customers are difficult. We shouldn't tar them all with the same brush
Is “Tarred with the same brush.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Tarred with the same brush.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Tarred with the same brush.” effectively in context?
You can use "Tarred with the same brush" to express the idea that when one person is accused of something negative, others may assume that everyone associated with them is guilty as well. It emphasizes the unfairness of judging a group based on the actions of a few individuals. For instance, if someone accuses your friend of being dishonest, you might say, 'Just because one person in the group made a mistake, it doesn't mean we are all guilty. We shouldn't be tarred with the same brush.'
- 1Group Stereotyping
The media often portrays politicians as corrupt, and as a result, the public tends to believe that all politicians are dishonest. It's unfair to tar everyone with the same brush.
- 2Defending Others
Just because one person in the group made a mistake, it doesn't mean we are all guilty. We shouldn't be tarred with the same brush.
- 3Avoiding Generalizations
One bad experience with a customer doesn't mean that all customers are difficult. We shouldn't tar them all with the same brush.
Similar phrases to “Tarred with the same brush.”:
To be considered guilty or responsible for something because of one's association with someone or something involved in the wrongdoing
Example
Just because my friend got into trouble doesn't mean I'm guilty by association.
A statement or assumption that applies to all members of a group, without considering individual differences
Example
Making sweeping generalizations about a particular ethnic group is unfair and discriminatory.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Tarred with the same brush.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Tarred with the same brush" is unknown.
Is “Tarred with the same brush.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Tarred with the same brush" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to highlight the unfairness of generalizing or stereotyping a group based on the actions of a few individuals.
What tone does “Tarred with the same brush.” have?
"Tarred with the same brush" conveys a tone of fairness and opposition to prejudice. It is used to challenge the idea of judging an entire group based on the actions or characteristics of a few members.
Can “Tarred with the same brush.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Tarred with the same brush" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the concept of unfair generalization. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'It's unfair to tar everyone with the same brush.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Don't tar us all with the same brush!' to express opposition to unfair generalizations.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- guilty by association
- paint with the same brush
- sweeping generalization
- taint everyone with the same stain
Antonyms
- judge individuals separately
- recognize individual differences
- avoid generalizations
- give everyone a fair chance
