You can't con a con.

Posted by Smokey Stover on June 23, 2006

In Reply to: You can't kid a kidder posted by pamela on June 23, 2006

: : : What is the origin and meaning of the oxymoronic phrase "can't fool the fool" if any?

: : it is a variation on the idea of the "poacher turned game-keeper" idea or "set a thief to catch a thief" - i.e. that somebody who is dishonest can spot and catch out another one. it is the opposite of 'honour amongst thieves', I suppose.

: : L

: "You can't con the con" is the one I've heard. Pamela

One of my weaknesses is watching CSI reruns. The last one I saw had Catherine saying, to a mendacious female witness, "You can't con a con." (Catherine may be in her mid-40s, but she's a real hottie--an inspiration to the mid-life wife.)
SS

• You can't con a con. Victoria S Dennis 23/June/06
  • You can't con a con. Bob 23/June/06