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Describing Qualities - Similar or Dissimilar

Dive into English idioms that relate to being similar or dissimilar, like "be two of a kind" and "a far cry from".

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English Idioms used to Describe Qualities
dead ringer

a person or thing that closely resembles or duplicates another

Ex: At that age, he was a dead ringer for his father. 
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a (different|new) ball game

a situation that is completely different from what one was previously dealing with

Ex: Learning grammar is one thing, but teaching it is a whole new ball game. 
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(as|) different as chalk and cheese

not in any way alike in character or quality

Ex: The two brothers are as different as chalk and cheese. 
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apples and oranges

two people or things that are completely different from one another

Ex: Comparing a tiny café with a global chain is apples and oranges. 
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to [draw] (the|a) line

to make a clear distinction between two things, particularly two ideas, that are closely related

Ex: We need to draw a line between honest criticism and personal attacks. 
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a far cry from {sth}

a significant difference between two things, often in a disappointing or unfavorable way

Ex: The hotel we found was a far cry from the photos in the brochure. 
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on the other side of the fence

in a position or situation that is entirely different from what one is used to

Ex: After years as a student, she was on the other side of the fence as a teacher. 
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it [is] six of one, half a dozen of the other

used to say that both options or situations are equal and that none is better or worse than the other

Ex: Whether we drive or take the train, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. 
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spitting image

someone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing

Ex: Lily is the spitting image of her mother. 
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seen one, seen them all

used to indicate that all types of a certain thing are almost the same

Ex: These beach resorts are all the same: seen one, seen them all. 
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along the lines of {sth}

of the same type as something else or closely resembling it

Ex: We need a logo along the lines of the old one, but cleaner. 
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{one's} opposite number

a person or thing that has the exact same function as that of another person or thing, but in a different place or situation

Ex: Our finance director will meet her opposite number in the Paris office. 
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to [separate|sort out] the sheep from the goats

to distinguish the good from the bad

Ex: The final interview will separate the sheep from the goats. 
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much of a muchness

(of two or more things) very similar to one another

Ex: The two hotels are much of a muchness, so choose the cheaper one. 
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a world of difference

used to emphasize a significant contrast or distinction between people, things, or situations

Ex: There is a world of difference between confidence and arrogance. 
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all that jazz

used to refer to similar things related to what was previously said

Ex: We need chairs, tables, lights, and all that jazz for the event. 
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to [be] two of a kind

(of people or things) to be the same in type or in character

Ex: Those two brothers are two of a kind, both stubborn and funny. 
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kindred spirit

a person who shares similar attitudes, beliefs, or interests with another person, and with whom one feels a deep connection or understanding

Ex: When I met Sara, I knew at once that she was a kindred spirit. 
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one of a kind

unique and unlike anything else

Ex: That handmade necklace is one of a kind. 
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(as|) black as {one's} hat

used to refer to something that is very dark or black in color

Ex: After the fire, the kitchen walls were black as his hat. 
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(as|) dark as pitch

completely black or dark

Ex: When the power went out, the whole house was dark as pitch. 
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