there's no fool like an old fool
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
If a person does not develop wisdom with age, then their foolishness is all the more obvious and shameful.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
You're an old woman, Emily, and there's no fool like an old fool. The man's twenty years younger than you, and don't you fool yourself as to what he married you for. Money!
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “there's no fool like an old fool” mean?
If a person does not develop wisdom with age, then their foolishness is all the more obvious and shameful.
Is “there's no fool like an old fool” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.