tar with the same brush
🪣 tar with the same brush
Concrete Meaning
To unfairly categorize a person as having the same negative faults or qualities as someone else in their group.
💬 Context & Examples
Used when fighting against stereotypes, sweeping generalizations, or unfair group punishments.
- "Just because one accountant committed fraud doesn't mean the media should tar the whole department with the same brush."
- "I dislike the opposing political party, but I won't tar all of its voters with the same brush."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
If a painter literally used a brush covered in black tar on multiple objects, what would happen?
Show Answer
Every single object, regardless of its original color or value, would be ruined and stained with the exact same dark, sticky, ugly substance.