sincere

envy is the sincerest form of flattery

proverb Expressions of envy are complimentary, as they signal that someone yearns for something that you exude or possess. A: "Laura drives me nuts. I'm so jealous of her having a boyfriend, I could scream." B: "I hate to tell you this, but envy is the sincerest form of flattery."
See also: envy, flattery, form, of, sincere

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

proverb When someone imitates the things you do, it's a sign that they like and admire you. Honey, try not to get annoyed with your brother when he follows you around doing the same things you do. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.
See also: flattery, form, of, sincere
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Prov. Copying someone is flattering because it shows you want to be like that person. Child: Susie's doing everything I do. Make her stop. Mother: Don't be cross with her. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but I don't feel flattered when Mary copies my answers to the homework.
See also: flattery, form, of, sincere
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

When people say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they mean that if someone copies you, it must be because they admire you. Gregory Campbell went into West Belfast last week, I was there years ago. But imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
See also: flattery, form, of, sincere
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

copying someone or something is an implicit way of paying them a compliment. proverb
See also: flattery, form, of, sincere
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • envy is the sincerest form of flattery
  • flattery
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • better bend than break
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
References in periodicals archive
The Head of State received further messages from officials of international and regional organisations, a number of ambassadors accredited to Tunisia and representatives of regional and international organisations in Tunisia, all of whom expressed their sincere wishes to the Head of State for good health and well-being.
Telephone calls and messages from leaders and senior officials of brotherly and friendly countries to inquire about President's health
"On the occasion of the Republic Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I have great pleasure in sending Your Excellency my heartfelt congratulations and sincere good wishes for your happiness and for the prosperity of the people of your country," the Emperor of Japan said in his letter.
Ilham Aliyev receives congratulations on occasion of Republic Day
We hope that Pakistan also becomes prosperous under sincere leaders like Imran Khan.
Mahathir's comeback
But while they hope that communist rebels are sincere, Guerrero said they are also expecting that the rebels will intensify their recruitment during the ceasefire.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief hopes Reds sincere in ceasefire declaration
Another added: "Shirley Ballas just called Alexandra "sincere".
Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas hits back at Alexandra Burke's critics - but viewers still accuse her of 'faking' reaction; The X Factor winner has been repeatedly accused of 'overreacting' to her judges' scores - but Shirley believes everything about her is 'sincere'
According to a translation of his remarks, Erdogan said a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus is possible by the end of the year, provided the Greek Cypriot side is sincere and serious about the drive.
Erdogan says Turkey sincere about wanting Cyprus solution
The Premier hailed the Kuwaiti leader's sincere fraternal feelings which reflect strong relations bonding the kingdom and Kuwait.
Premier hails sincere sentiments
Sincerity means being pure, clean and selected (Majm Albahriyn, vol 4, p: 168-169): he chose the pure one of it, became sincere in obedience and worship and got free from any evil, in friendship and words was pure (Abjad terminology, p: 31).
Sincerity in monotheism
The family of the late Lily, wish to express their sincere thanks to all relatives and friends forthe kindness and sympathy shown to them during their recent bereavement, also for the cards and oral tributes received.
In Memoriam
In his cable, Sheikh Sabah expressed his sincere thanks for His Majesty the Sultan's sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the bereaved's soul in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms.
H.M. the Sultan / Thanks Cable
STEVE Coogan has revealed he chose to bring the true story of Philomena Lee's search for her long-lost son to the big screen to do something "sincere".
Coogan was 'bold' to film Philomena
I offer my sincere apology to some of the White Turks.
My apology to some White Turks
Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh seemed to be as bubbly and sincere as her character Hayley.
Within a.. couple of weeks, [...]; Jackie Bird BEHIND THE HEADLINES
My sincere thanks to Dr GhaithAl Badri for pointing out an error in the article I published on Galenic Medicine in fATMS fune 2013 which mistakenly referred to an image of a book as a 'Persian Galenic text'.
Erratum
Summary: Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE Tamer Mansour has offered sincere thanks and appreciation to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his directives to the Red Crescent Authority to launch the "Egypt in our hearts" campaign on Wednesday with the aim of supporting Egyptian people in difficult economic conditions experienced during the current transitional phase.
Envoy thanks UAE for 'Egypt in our hearts' drive