By the Same Token
“By the same token” — In the same manner; moreover, for the same reason. Originally, a “token” was a sign or symbol of something. This idiom dates back to the fifteenth century, initially meaning “on the same grounds,” or “for the same reason.” By the 1600s, it evolved to mean “the proof of this being,” introducing a corroborating fact or circumstance.
Synonyms
- Similarly
- Likewise
- In the same vein
- Additionally
- Furthermore
Antonyms
- Conversely
- On the contrary
- However
- Nevertheless
- Otherwise
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Likewise, let’s not flaunt our ignorance by the same token, shall we?”
- “I’m not just pulling your leg; by the same token, I’m genuinely confused!”
Proverbs and Similar Expressions
- “One good turn deserves another.”
- “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
- “Tit for tat.”
- “Cut from the same cloth.”
References in Literature
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens — “Others caused large Fires to be made . . .; by the same token that two or three were pleased to set their houses on fire and so effectually sweetened them by burning them down to the ground.”
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville — “By the same token, I was equally in dark as to the scamperings of a flock of crows on the further side of some wild wood.”
Songs with Related Themes
- “By the Same Token” by Minor Paradox
- “Similarly Yours” by Harmony & Irony
Movies Reflecting the Concept
- Catch Me If You Can (2002) - The cat-and-mouse chase illustrates “by the same token” in the complex relationship between Frank and Carl.
- The Prestige (2006) - The story of rival magicians often uses logic and reasoning tied together by the same token of rivalry.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Crediting the intricacy of language for the magic it spins, we bid adieu! Stay curious, stay eloquent, and always explore the wondrous landscape of idioms opening new doors to understanding context and history. 🎓✨
### What does "by the same token" originally mean?
- [x] On the same grounds
- [ ] Oppositely
- [ ] Because of distrustful reasons
- [ ] Identical in every respect
> **Explanation:** "By the same token" originally meant "on the same grounds," indicating the reasoning or logic shared in common.
### Which one is a synonym for "by the same token"?
- [ ] Contrarily
- [x] Similarly
- [ ] Negatively
- [ ] Distinctively
> **Explanation:** "Similarly" serves as a synonym for "by the same token," both implying an analogous reasoning or manner.
### Identify the real phrase:
- [ ] By virtue of wormholes
- [ ] By virtue of rainbow
- [x] By the same token
- [ ] By causation of unicorn dust
> **Explanation:** "By the same token" is a real phrase. The others, while whimsical, are fantastical creations.
### Which of these expressions conveys a similar meaning?
- [x] One good turn deserves another
- [ ] Breaking new ground
- [ ] Cutting loose ends
- [ ] Jumping hoops
> **Explanation:** "One good turn deserves another" means that helping someone is likely to result in reciprocation, similar to "by the same token" implying a reciprocal action or reason.
### True or False: The phrase "By the same token" has origins in practical magic.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. While it sounds mystical, the phrase’s origin isn't magical but is rooted in logical reasoning and analogies dating back to the fifteenth century.
