PhrasesHub

Spitting image

    Definitions

      • Resemblance or similarity
        To describe someone or something that looks extremely similar to another person or object

      • Exact copy or duplicate
        To refer to an identical or nearly identical representation of something or someone

      • Proud or boastful behavior
        To describe someone who is overly confident or arrogant about their appearance or abilities, often in a derogatory manner

    Examples of Spitting image

    • "My cousin is the spitting image of our grandfather. They have the same nose, chin, and even the same mischievous smile."

      The idiom "spitting image" is used to describe two people who look so similar that it's as if one person spat out the other. It's a figurative expression that highlights the strong resemblance between two individuals. In this example, the cousin is so similar in appearance to the grandfather that it's as if the grandfather spat him out.

    • "The author's latest novel is the spitting image of her previous work. The style, tone, and themes are all too familiar."

      In this example, the idiom "spitting image" is used to describe the similarity between two works of art, in this case, two novels by the same author. It highlights the strong resemblance between the two pieces, as if one novel spat out the other.

    • "The new product is the spitting image of the old one. It's got the same features, the same design, and the same price."

      Here, the idiom "spitting image" is used to describe the similarity between two products, in this case, two versions of the same product. It highlights the strong resemblance between the two items, as if one product spat out the other.

    • "The painting is the spitting image of the artist's earlier works. It's got the same color palette, the same brushstrokes, and the same style."

      In this example, the idiom "spitting image" is used to describe the similarity between two pieces of art, in this case, two paintings by the same artist. It highlights the strong resemblance between the two items, as if one painting spat out the other.

    • "The two dogs are the spitting image of each other. They've got the same breed, the same coat color, and the same wagging tail."

      Here, the idiom "spitting image" is used to describe the similarity between two animals, in this case, two dogs of the same breed. It highlights the strong resemblance between the two animals, as if one dog spat out the other.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "spitting image" is commonly used to describe likeness or similarity between two people or objects. It can be used to express admiration, as in the case of a child who is the spitting image of their parent, or to point out a lack of originality, as in the case of an artist who is the spitting image of another artist.

    Additionally, "spitting image" can also be used to refer to an exact copy or duplicate of something or someone. This can be seen in phrases like "that sculpture is the spitting image of the original" or "she's the spitting image of her twin sister."

    In some cases, "spitting image" can also be used to describe someone who is overly proud or boastful about their appearance or abilities. This usage can often have a negative connotation, implying that the person is conceited or vain.

    Origin of "Spitting image"

    The origin of the idiom "spitting image" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its roots. One theory suggests that it comes from the Old English word "spitten," meaning to look like or resemble, and "image," meaning a likeness or representation. This would make the literal meaning of the phrase "spit and image," implying that the person or object is so similar that they could have been spit out or created in the same image.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the phrase "spirit and image," which was commonly used in the 19th century to describe a strong resemblance between two people. Over time, this phrase evolved into "spitting image."

    Regardless of its exact origins, "spitting image" has been in use since at least the 1800s and has remained a popular idiom in the English language. It is often used in casual conversation and can be found in literature and media as well.