The idiom “apples and oranges” is commonly used to describe two things or people that are fundamentally different and cannot be compared fairly. When something is referred to as being “like apples and oranges,” it implies that the two things in question are so dissimilar that any attempt to compare them is pointless. This expression helps convey the idea that while both might be similar in some ways (they are both fruits, for example), they are distinct in key characteristics, making any direct comparison invalid.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of “apples and oranges,” provide examples of its usage, and discuss how this idiom is applied in everyday conversations.
What does “Apples and oranges” mean?
“Apples and oranges” refers to things or people that are different from each other in ways that make comparing them unfair or irrelevant. It is often used when discussing two subjects, items, or people that have no meaningful similarities, making any comparison misleading or unproductive.
Meaning:
- Two things that are fundamentally different and cannot be compared meaningfully.
- A situation where comparing two items or individuals is not logical due to their distinct characteristics.
Examples of “Apples and oranges” in sentences
In comparing people:
“You can’t talk about Fred and Ted in the same breath! They’re apples and oranges—Fred is quiet and thoughtful, while Ted is outgoing and adventurous.”
In comparing two things:
“Talking about her current book and her previous best-seller is like comparing apples and oranges. The writing style and themes are completely different.”
In comparing options or choices:
“Choosing between a small, local restaurant and a large, corporate chain is like comparing apples and oranges. They offer entirely different dining experiences.”
How to use “Apples and oranges” in conversation
“Apples and oranges” is a useful idiom when discussing situations where comparisons seem unreasonable. Here are a few ways to apply it in everyday conversations:
When discussing people with different characteristics:
If someone is comparing two people who are very different in personality, skills, or appearance, you might say “They’re like apples and oranges,” to highlight their dissimilarity.
When comparing two different items or concepts:
This idiom is especially helpful when comparing two objects, products, or concepts that are not directly related. For instance, comparing two different types of cars, where one is an electric vehicle and the other is a gas-powered car, could be described as “apples and oranges.”
In debates or arguments:
If someone is making an unfair comparison during a discussion, you could use this idiom to point out that the items being compared are too different to make a valid argument.
Why “Apples and oranges” works as an idiom
The phrase “apples and oranges” is effective because, while apples and oranges are both fruits, they differ greatly in taste, texture, color, and nutritional content. This makes them a perfect metaphor for comparing things that, although they may belong to the same broad category, are otherwise too different to be compared directly.
Using this idiom in conversation helps to quickly communicate that a comparison is not meaningful, saving time and avoiding confusion in discussions.
Conclusion
“Apples and oranges” is a powerful idiom used to describe two things or people that are so different that comparing them doesn’t make sense. Whether you’re discussing people with distinct personalities, contrasting objects, or concepts from entirely different categories, this expression is a concise way to point out that the comparison is flawed or irrelevant.
