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By the same token

Posted by ESC on June 26, 2011 at 18:29

In Reply to: By the same token posted by Dennis McCaffrey on June 26, 2011 at 16:27:

: What is the origin of the phrase "By the same token"?

Token is used in this phrase as a "vague application of its meaning as a sign or evidence, enabling the recipient to associate one thing with another." Used by the 15th century. ("Dictionary of Cliches" by James Rogers (Ballantine Books, New York, 1985. Page 39.) Until 1600 the phrase was used to mean "on the same grounds" or "for the same reason." After 1600 it came to mean "'the proof of this being,' that is, introducing a corroborating fact or circumstances." ("Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches," second edition, edited by Christine Ammer, Checkmark Books, New York, 2006. Page 54.) Ms. Ammer kind of lost me. But maybe it will be clear to you.

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