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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dead ringer [noun]

a person or thing that closely resembles or duplicates another

Ex: The young musician 's voice is a dead ringer for the legendary singer , making it difficult to distinguish between the two in recordings .

a (different|new) ball game [phrase]

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

Ex:

(as|) different as chalk and cheese [phrase]

not in any way alike in character or quality

Ex: The siblings have completely different interests and hobbies ; they are different as chalk and cheese .

apples and oranges [phrase]

two people or things that are completely different from one another

Ex: Trying to measure success based on wealth alone is like comparing apples and oranges ; there are other important factors to consider .

to [draw] (the|a) line [phrase]

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

Ex: As a manager , I need to draw a line between being friendly with my employees and maintaining professional boundaries .

a far cry from {sth} [phrase]

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

Ex: The hastily prepared meal was a far cry from the culinary masterpiece they had tasted at the restaurant .

on the other side of the fence [phrase]

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

Ex: She always thought her job was mundane , but when she had the chance to experience a different profession , she realized the challenges on the other side of the fence .

it [is] six of one, half a dozen of the other [sentence]

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

Ex:

spitting image [noun]

someone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing

Ex: The actor 's portrayal in the biopic was so accurate that he was the spitting image of the historical figure .

seen one, seen them all [sentence]

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

Ex:

along the lines of {sth} [phrase]

of the same type as something else or closely resembling it

Ex:

{one's} opposite number [phrase]

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: The teacher from one school collaborated with her opposite number at a different school to develop a joint curriculum .

to [separate|sort out] the sheep from the goats [phrase]

to distinguish the good from the bad

Ex:

much of a muchness [phrase]

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

Ex: The books in that genre tend to be much of a muchness , with predictable plots and characters .

a world of difference [phrase]

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

Ex: The new management team 's innovative strategies brought a world of difference to the company 's performance .

all that jazz [phrase]

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

Ex: The party was a blast with great music , dancing , laughter , and all that jazz .

to [be] two of a kind [phrase]

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

Ex:

kindred spirit [noun]

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

Ex: The author found a kindred spirit in her editor , who shared her passion for storytelling and had a similar creative vision .

(as|) black as {one's} hat [phrase]

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

Ex:

(as|) dark as pitch [phrase]

completely black or dark

Ex: Venturing into the ancient cave , they found themselves surrounded by an eerie darkness , as if the depths were as dark as pitch .

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