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: Her artwork is truly a cut above; the attention to detail and the mastery of technique set her apart from other artists. 
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: The talented pianist was head and shoulders above the other competitors in the music competition, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry. 
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's a fine line between confidence and arrogance; it's important to strike a balance. 
Close
Sign in
apples to apples

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

Ex: When assessing job candidates, it is essential to compare them apples to apples by evaluating their qualifications and experience in relation to the specific requirements of the position. 
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: Despite coming from very different backgrounds, the scientists found they were cut from the same cloth in their love of discovery and solving complex problems. 
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: DeMarco plays a lawyer living in the shadow of a famous father. 
Close
Sign in
to [follow] in {one's} footsteps

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

Ex: She decided to follow in her father's footsteps and pursue a career in medicine. 
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: After witnessing her friend's dedication to fitness, Sarah decided to take a leaf out of her book and start exercising regularly. 
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: In order to improve his public speaking skills, he took a cue from a renowned orator and studied their delivery techniques. 
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: After witnessing her sister's selflessness and dedication to helping others, she aspired to become half the woman her sister is. 
Close
Sign in
{not} a patch on {sb/sth}

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

Ex: The new restaurant in town is not a patch on the established fine-dining establishments in terms of culinary expertise and ambiance. 
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: The new restaurant in town is not in the same league as the Michelin-starred establishments when it comes to culinary excellence. 
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: She's so successful and sophisticated; I feel like she's completely out of my league. 
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: The chess grandmaster ran circles around his opponents, effortlessly defeating them in every match. 
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 restaurant offers the best value for money in the city. 
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: Her knowledge of advanced mathematics is light years away from mine; I struggle with basic calculations. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app