PhrasesHub

Dead ringer

    Definitions

      • resemblance or similarity
        To describe something or someone that looks very similar or almost identical to something or someone else

      • exact duplicate
        To describe something or someone that is an exact replica or copy of something or someone else

      • sure winner or guaranteed success
        To describe someone or something that is highly likely to succeed or win, often used in reference to a person or team in a competition or game

    Examples of Dead ringer

    • The new actress is a dead ringer for Audrey Hepburn.

      This idiom means that the new actress looks so much like Audrey Hepburn that it's as if she's come back to life (dead) and is an exact replica (ringer) of the famous actress.

    • My cousin from another country is a dead ringer for my dad.

      This idiom means that my cousin looks so much like my dad that it's as if my dad has come back to life (dead) and is an exact replica (ringer) of my cousin.

    • The suspect in the case is a dead ringer for the person in the CCTV footage.

      This idiom means that the suspect looks so much like the person in the CCTV footage that it's as if the person in the footage has come back to life (dead) and is an exact replica (ringer) of the suspect.

    • The actor's doppelganger is a dead ringer for him.

      This idiom means that there is someone who looks so much like the actor that it's as if his double (doppelganger) has come back to life (dead) and is an exact replica (ringer) of the actor.

    • The character in the movie is a dead ringer for the actor who played him in the previous movie.

      This idiom means that the character looks so much like the actor who played him in the previous movie that it's as if the actor has come back to life (dead) and is an exact replica (ringer) of the character.


    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the idiom "dead ringer" is commonly used to describe a strong resemblance or similarity between two things or people. It can also refer to an exact duplicate or replica, as well as something or someone that is highly likely to succeed or win.

    This idiomatic phrase is often used in informal contexts, such as in everyday conversations or in media and literature. It conveys a strong sense of certainty and assurance, making it a powerful expression to use when describing a situation or person.

    Origin of "Dead ringer"

    The origin of the idiom "dead ringer" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in horse racing. The term "ringer" was used to refer to a horse that was substituted for another in a race in order to win. This practice was often considered deceitful and unethical. The word "dead" was added to emphasize the exactness of the substitution, hence creating the phrase "dead ringer."

    Over time, the term evolved and became more widely used to describe any situation or person that closely resembles or duplicates another. It also gained a connotation of being a sure winner or guaranteed success, likely due to its association with horse racing.

    Today, the idiom "dead ringer" is a popular and versatile phrase that is used in various contexts to convey a strong similarity or certainty. Its origins may have been in the world of horse racing, but it has since become a part of everyday language and is still commonly used in modern times.