PhrasesHub

Comparing apples to oranges

    Definitions

      • Compare two dissimilar things
        To highlight the differences between two things or concepts that are not alike in any way, often used to point out the flaws in an argument or comparison

      • Incomparable
        To express that two things are so different that they cannot be compared or judged against each other, often used to dismiss invalid comparisons or arguments

      • Pointless discussion
        To indicate that a discussion or argument is pointless and will not lead to any meaningful conclusion, often used to end a debate or disagreement

    Examples of Comparing apples to oranges

    • The sales figures for our new product are not comparable to those of our competitors. It's like comparing apples to oranges.

      This idiom is used to describe two things that are fundamentally different and cannot be compared accurately. In this example, the speaker is explaining that the sales figures for their new product cannot be compared to those of their competitors because the products are different, just as apples and oranges are different types of fruit.

    • I'm sorry, but your request for a raise is like asking for the moon. It's not going to happen.

      This idiom is used to describe an unrealistic or impossible request. In this example, the speaker is comparing the request for a raise to asking for the moon, which is an impossible request because it is not a physical object that can be given.

    • I've heard that the new CEO is a real wild card. You just never know what he's going to do.

      This idiom is used to describe an unpredictable or unknown situation or person. In this example, the speaker is comparing the new CEO to a wild card in a game of poker, which is an unknown card that can change the outcome of the game.

    • I'm afraid we're stuck in a catch-22 situation.

      This idiom is used to describe a difficult or seemingly impossible situation with two equally unfavorable choices. In this example, the speaker is comparing the situation to the dilemma in Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," in which the main character is caught in a bureaucratic nightmare with no way out.

    • I'm not trying to beat around the bush. I'll get straight to the point.

      This idiom is used to describe avoiding a direct or straightforward answer. In this example, the speaker is explaining that they are not trying to avoid the issue by beating around the bush, but will instead give a direct and straightforward answer.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "comparing apples to oranges" is used to emphasize the differences between two things that are not alike in any way. It is often used to point out the flaws in an argument or to dismiss invalid comparisons. It can also be used to indicate that a discussion or argument is pointless and will not lead to any meaningful conclusion.

    The phrase has become a common expression in everyday language and is often used in casual conversations, debates, and even in academic discussions. It is a simple and effective way to convey the idea that comparing two things that are fundamentally different is illogical and can lead to false conclusions.

    Origin of "Comparing apples to oranges"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. It is believed that the phrase first appeared in a book review by Horace Gray in 1889, where he criticized a book for comparing two unrelated subjects. The phrase gained popularity in the early 20th century and has since become a well-known idiom in the English language.

    The choice of apples and oranges in this idiom is significant as they are both popular fruits, but have distinct differences in taste, appearance, and nutritional value. This highlights the concept of comparing two things that may seem similar on the surface, but are actually very different.

    In conclusion, the idiom "comparing apples to oranges" is a simple and effective way to express the idea of comparing two dissimilar things. It has become a widely used phrase in the English language and its origin can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States.