What does “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” mean?

"To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last" means to judge others by one’s own standards or experiences. It implies that the person doing the judging has a limited perspective and is unable to understand or appreciate the different circumstances and experiences of others. The proverb uses the metaphor of a last, which is a model or template for making shoes, to suggest that people should not impose their own experiences or expectations on others.

What context can I use the in?

Example

You can't expect everyone to have the same opinions or preferences as you. To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last. It's important to respect and understand different perspectives.

Example

Instead of criticizing others for their choices, try to understand their unique circumstances. To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last. We all have different experiences and perspectives.

Example

Don't judge someone based on your own standards or expectations. To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last. Everyone has their own journey and circumstances

Is “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” 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 “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” effectively in context?

You can use "To measure another man's foot by one's own last" to emphasize the importance of not judging or underestimating others based on your own abilities or experiences. For example, if someone is struggling with a task that you find easy, you might say, 'Don't be too hard on them. Remember, it's not fair to measure another man's foot by one's own last.'

1Work
Just because you excel in a certain area doesn't mean everyone else will. To measure another man's foot by one's own last. It's important to recognize and appreciate the diverse skills and strengths of your colleagues.
2Education
If you're a fast learner, don't expect everyone else to grasp concepts as quickly as you do. To measure another man's foot by one's own last. Each person has their own unique learning style and pace.
3Relationships
In a romantic relationship, it's important to understand that your partner may have different strengths and weaknesses than you. To measure another man's foot by one's own last. Appreciate and support each other's individual qualities.

Similar phrases to “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.”:

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes

To try to understand someone else's perspective or experience before judging them

Example

Before criticizing her decisions, try to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

Don't judge a book by its cover

To not form an opinion about someone or something based solely on appearance

Example

He may seem quiet, but don't judge a book by its cover. He's actually very knowledgeable.

Different strokes for different folks

Acknowledging that people have different preferences, tastes, or ways of doing things

Example

She prefers action movies, while he enjoys romantic comedies. Different strokes for different folks.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "To measure another man's foot by one's own last" is unknown.

Is “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "To measure another man's foot by one's own last" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in formal or literary contexts.

What tone does “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” have?

"To measure another man's foot by one's own last" conveys a tone of caution and humility. It reminds us to be mindful of our own biases and limitations when assessing others.

Can “To measure another man’s foot by one’s own last.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "To measure another man's foot by one's own last" is more formal in nature and is commonly used in written or spoken discourse that requires a higher level of language proficiency.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'It's important not to measure another man's foot by one's own last when evaluating someone's performance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, don't "measure another man's foot by one's own last".'

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

don't compare apples to oranges
don't make assumptions
don't generalize
don't stereotype
don't project your own experiences onto others

Antonyms

judge based on personal standards
expect everyone to be the same
ignore individual differences
disregard diverse perspectives
measure everyone by the same yardstick