tar sb/sth with the same brush

/tˈɑː ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ wɪððə sˈeɪm bˈʊʃ/

/tˈɑːɹ ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ wɪððə sˈeɪm bˈʊʃ/

[phrase]

to tar sb/sth with the same brush

[PHRASE]

to unfairly assume that a person or thing is as same as someone or something that they are associated with

to [tar] {sb/sth} with the same brush definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "tar someone or something with the same brush" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "tar someone or something with the same brush" can be traced back to the practice of using brushes to apply tar or paint to surfaces. In this context, if one brush was used to apply tar to a particular object, it would inevitably carry traces of the tar. If another object was subsequently painted with the same brush, it would also acquire those traces, regardless of whether or not it deserved the same treatment. It is commonly employed in discussions related to prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination, or biased judgments.

Examples

1. Because they worked so closely in the same department, John was tarred with the same brush as Tim.

2. Just because the CEO turned out to be a rotten scoundrel doesn't mean we should tar the entire company with the same brush.

3. There is absolutely a segment of video game enthusiasts who create a hostile and toxic environment online, but tarring all gamers with the same brush does a disservice to the community.

4. Their system came into question in 1998, when Chinese officials cracked down on pyramid schemes and tarred direct sales companies with the same brush.

Nearby words

tall poppy

talk to ralph on the big white telephone

put best foot forward