Describing Qualities - Comparison

Explore English idioms regarding comparisons, including "take a cue from" and "in the same league".

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a cut above [phrase]

much better than others of the same type

Ex: The new luxury hotel is a cut above other accommodations in the area ; its elegant design and top-notch amenities provide a superior level of comfort .

head and shoulders above {sb/sth} [phrase]

used to describe someone or something that is far superior when compared to others of the same type

Ex: The skilled surgeon was head and shoulders above her peers , known for her precision and outstanding surgical outcomes .

a (fine|thin) line [phrase]

a delicate distinction between two things, particularly two apparently similar situations or concepts

Ex: In competitive sports , there is a fine line between pushing oneself to the limit and risking injury .

apples to apples [phrase]

a situation in which things are being evaluated or considered in a fair manner

Ex: When analyzing research studies , scientists carefully examine methodology and sample size to compare findings apples to apples and draw accurate conclusions .

to [be] cut (from|out of) the same cloth [phrase]

to possses qualities that are very similar to those of someone or something else's

Ex: After years of studying together , we realized we were cut from the same cloth and shared many of the same hopes , beliefs , and values .

in the shadow of {sb} [phrase]

used to convey that someone is receiving much less credit or attention compared to a person more popular or skillful

Ex:

to [follow] in {one's} footsteps [phrase]

to try to do the exact same things as others did before one

Ex:

to [follow] suit [phrase]

to behave in the same manner as someone else

Ex: Seeing their classmates forming study groups , the remaining students decided to follow suit in order to improve their academic performance .

to [take|borrow] a leaf out of {one's} book [phrase]

to do something or to behave in a manner that is almost identical to that of someone else's

Ex: Seeing her colleague 's calm and composed demeanor during stressful situations , Jane decided to take a leaf out of his book and work on managing her own stress better .

to [take] a cue from {sb/sth} [phrase]

to take notice of someone else's action or behavior in an attempt to reach the same success

Ex:

to [be|become] half the (man|woman|person) (that|) {sb} [is] [phrase]

to be much less powerful, successful, or capable when compared to someone else

Ex:

{not} a patch on {sb/sth} [phrase]

(of a person or thing) greatly inferior to another person or thing

Ex: The rookie player 's performance was not a patch on the seasoned veteran 's skill and experience on the field .

in the same league [phrase]

used to refer to two individuals or entities that have the same qualities or having acquired the same achievements

Ex: The local team realized they were not in the same league as the national champions , struggling to keep up with their superior skills .

out of {one's} league [phrase]

used to suggest that that someone is not on the same level or does not possess the same social standing, attractiveness, or qualifications as another person

Ex:

to [run] (circles|rings) around {sb/sth} [phrase]

(of a person or thing) to be much faster, better, or more successful compared to someone or something else

Ex: The brilliant student ran circles around his classmates , consistently achieving the highest grades in every subject .

pound for pound [phrase]

used to compare two things based on their qualities or abilities, without considering their size or scale

Ex: The small coffee shop may not have the grandeur of a large chain , but pound for pound , it serves the best coffee in town .

light years away [phrase]

a vast difference between two things, often indicating that they are significantly distant or dissimilar in terms of progress, quality, or understanding

Ex: In terms of artistic talent , his paintings are light years away from anything I could create .

Describing Qualities
Good Quality or Condition	Poor Quality or Condition	Boring or Interesting	Comparison
Similar or Dissimilar	Order and Tidiness	Old & New Things	Shape, Color & Texture
Place & Position	Location & Placement	Compatibility & Incompatibility	Suitability & Unsuitability
Usefulness & Value	Nature	Vehicles	Describing Qualities