Why do you say like father like son?

Answer 1

"Like father like son" suggests a genetic link or similarity of behaviour or activity. The phrase can be either complimentary or derogatory.

For example, someone who is particularly clever and whose father was/is also very smart could be described as "like father like son."

On the other hand, let's imagine someone caught doctoring the books and whose father or family is/was also suspected of dishonesty could also be described as 'like father like son'