like father, like son

In the same manner from generation to generation, as in
Kevin decided to run for mayor—like father, like son
. This ancient proverb has been stated in English in slightly varying versions since the 1300s, sometimes appearing with a counterpart,
like mother, like daughter
. Thomas Draxe had it in
Bibliotheca
(1616): “Like father, like son; like mother, like daughter.” Also see