Definition of: "apples to apples" with explanation and origin
Definition of: apples to apples with explanation and origin? Meaning of apples to apples with examples in English idiom dictionary.
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Definition of: "apples to apples" with explanation and origin
apples to apples
apples to apples
Meaning | Synonyms
- having a fair comparison between the two things
- comparing the things which can be compared with each other, not the ones which don’t fit the specific criteria of each other
- contrasting the similar things
- finding out the difference between the two similar things
- items that can be practically compared with each other
Example Sentences
- To find out who is stronger is the apples to apples measure their capability to win the first prize in the field of Olympics.
- I have no idea who is going to win the fashion show, both the girls dress up so well, it is the apples to apples measure of their styling techniques.
- Finding out the speed of the two big cars which are equal in size and possess other similar attributes is the apples to apples
Origin
It is to be believed that the phrase “apples to apples” came from a party-based game which was introduced by Hasbro and later on it was published by Mattel. This game is about winning most of the rounds by playing and laying a red apple card that matches the green apple card. From here we can easily conclude that the phrase is about the fair comparison, a red apple can be compared with a green apple only as they are the same fruits. Apples cannot be compared with any other fruit.
Other Variants
- apples and apples
- apples with apples
- apples to oranges (antonym)
The Origins of apples to apples
Apple, FruitsEnglish
Related Dictionary
- English Definition & Meaning Dictionary
- English Idioms and phrases Dictionary
- Dictionnaire Français
- Dictionnaire d'expressions idiomatiques et de phrases en français
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English Idioms and phrases
An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below). By another definition, an idiom is a speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its elements.[3] For example, an English speaker would understand the phrase "kick the bucket" to mean "to die" – and also to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore, they would understand when each meaning is being used in context.
To evoke the desired effect in the listener, idioms require a precise replication of the phrase: not even articles can be used interchangeably (e.g. "kick a bucket" only retains the literal meaning of the phrase but not the idiomatic meaning).
Idioms should not be confused with other figures of speech such as metaphors, which evoke an image by use of implicit comparisons (e.g., "the man of steel"); similes, which evoke an image by use of explicit comparisons (e.g., "faster than a speeding bullet"); or hyperbole, which exaggerates an image beyond truthfulness (e.g., "more powerful than a locomotive"). Idioms are also not to be confused with proverbs, which are simple sayings that express a truth based on common sense or practical experience.
