en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "When you have seen one, you have seen them all"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 17/10/2024, 08:51
English.me team member

What does it mean?

When you have seen one, you have seen them all

The phrase means that once you have seen one example of something, you feel as though you've seen all examples of it, suggesting a lack of variety or notable difference among them.

Tone

Dismissive

Origin

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear. It is a colloquial expression that likely developed over time to convey a sense of monotony when experiencing something repeatedly similar. The earliest recorded usage dates back to around 1811.

Examples of usage

  • After visiting multiple chain hotels, John said, "When you have seen one, you have seen them all, because they all looked exactly the same."
  • Sarah wasn't impressed with the series of paintings, remarking, "When you have seen one, you have seen them all; they're all just variations of the same theme."

Recommended posts in Phrases

Honesty is the best policy

Honesty is the best policy

The proverb "Honesty is the best policy" means that being ... Learn more →

You cannot win them all

You cannot win them all

The phrase means that it is unrealistic to expect success ... Learn more →

Beat around the bush

Beat around the bush

To avoid getting to the main point of a conversation ... Learn more →

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

The phrase "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" ... Learn more →