The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท W

We all put our pants on one leg at a time

Meaning

A reminder that everyone is essentially equal, regardless of status or fame. It is used to humble someone who is acting arrogant.

Humbling, grounding

Used in a sentence

  • Do not be intimidated by the CEO, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
  • He thinks he is a celebrity, but we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
  • No need to treat the boss like royalty, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.

The backstory

This is a practical, folksy observation meant to deflate the ego of someone who thinks they are better than others.

Heard in

Nationwide

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