Here's what we know:
* Literal Meaning: The phrase refers to fabric that is made from the same roll of cloth.
* Figurative Meaning: It means that two people share similar qualities, characteristics, or traits. They are essentially the same kind of person.
Possible Origins:
* Medieval Times: Some believe the idiom may have originated in medieval times when people wore clothing made from a single piece of cloth. Two people wearing the same cloth were seen as sharing similar social standing or even family ties.
* Early Modern English: The first recorded use of the idiom in English literature dates back to the 16th century. In Shakespeare's *Henry V*, the character of the Chorus says, "They are all cut of one piece."
* Industrial Revolution: The phrase may also have been influenced by the rise of industrialization and the mass production of fabrics.
Overall:
While the exact origin remains uncertain, "cut from the same cloth" has been used for centuries to describe people who share similar qualities. The idiom is likely rooted in the literal meaning of fabric cut from the same roll, symbolizing a shared nature or origin.