pattern

Describing Qualities - Comparison

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

Review

Flashcards

Quiz

Start learning
English Idioms used to Describe Qualities
a cut above
a cut above
[phrase]

much better than others of the same type

Ex: This restaurant is a cut above the others in the area. 
Close
Sign in
head and shoulders above {sb/sth}

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

Ex: In math, Lina is head and shoulders above the rest of the class. 
Close
Sign in
a (fine|thin) line
a fine line
[phrase]

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

Ex: There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. 
Close
Sign in
apples to apples

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

Ex: Those prices aren't apples to apples because one includes delivery and the other doesn't. 
Close
Sign in
to [be] cut (from|out of) the same cloth

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

Ex: Mira and her mother are cut from the same cloth, both stubborn and generous. 
Close
Sign in
in the shadow of  {sb}

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

Ex: For years, Leo worked in the shadow of his famous brother. 
Close
Sign in
to [follow] in {one's} footsteps

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

Ex: Sara followed in her mother's footsteps and became a doctor. 
Close
Sign in
to [follow] suit

to behave in the same manner as someone else

Ex: The first store lowered its prices, and the others quickly followed suit. 
Close
Sign in
to [take|borrow] a leaf out of {one's} book

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

Ex: If you want to save money, take a leaf out of Nora's book and cook at home. 
Close
Sign in
to [take] a cue from {sb/sth}

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

Ex: We should take a cue from Maya and keep the presentation short. 
Close
Sign in
to [be|become] half the (man|woman|person) (that|) {sb} [is]

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

Ex: He may be confident, but he isn't half the leader his mother is. 
Close
Sign in
{not} a patch on {sb/sth}

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

Ex: The sequel is not a patch on the original film. 
Close
Sign in
in the same league

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

Ex: As a pianist, Ana is finally in the same league as her teacher. 
Close
Sign in
out of {one's} league

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: I always thought Maya was out of my league, but she asked me out. 
Close
Sign in
to [run] (circles|rings) around {sb/sth}

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

Ex: Mira runs circles around everyone else in the office. 
Close
Sign in
to [compare] apples to oranges

to compare things that are too different to be fairly compared

Ex: Comparing those two schools is comparing apples to oranges. 
Close
Sign in
pound for pound

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

Ex: Pound for pound, this little camera is one of the best on the market. 
Close
Sign in
light years away

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

Ex: Their new software is light years away from the old version. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app