Apples to oranges

Meaning

The idiom "apples to oranges" means that two things are being compared that are not really similar or have nothing in common, making it difficult to make a valid comparison. It can also imply that a comparison between two things is unfair or unjust.

Usage

• "I don't think it's fair to compare the performance of these two athletes because they play different sports."
• "It's apples to oranges comparing the cost of living in a big city versus a small town."
• "These two characters have very different personalities, so it's apples to oranges trying to compare their motivations."
• "I don't think it's realistic to compare the success of two different industries because they operate in completely different markets."
• "You can't compare a vacation in Hawaii with a trip to Europe because they offer very different experiences and activities." The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context, but its basic meaning remains the same - that two things are being compared that are not really similar or have nothing in common.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the phrase "apples to oranges" dates back to 1607 when it appeared in a collection of proverbs by John Heywood. The idiom likely originated as a way to describe the difficulties of comparing two things that are very different, such as fruits of two different varieties. Over time, the idiom has become more commonly used to describe any comparison between two things that is difficult or unfair due to their inherent differences.

Synonyms in English

• Comparing apples and oranges
• Completing an apple-to-orange comparison
• Drawing a line between apples and oranges
• Making an apple-versus-orange comparison
• Trying to compare apples with oranges

Synonyms in other languages

• Comparar manzanas con naranjas (Spanish)
• Дружить с яблоком или с лимоном (Swedish)
• Значит, что мы пытаемся сравнивать зеркала на воде (Russian)
• 碧黄比较 (Chinese)
• 青苹果比较 (Japanese)

Similar Idioms

• a cinch

• a lot on my plate

• a shot in the dark