apples and oranges
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English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
apples and oranges pl (plural only)
- (idiomatic) A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible equation, or the items thus compared.
- It's apples and oranges. You can't convert square meters to linear inches.
- 2014 January 17, Kath Murray, “Stop and search in Scotland: record figures need open debate”, in The Guardian[1]:
- So on the one hand, comparing policing issues in Scotland with what is happening in England may be like comparing apples and oranges.
- 2019 June 11, Rory Stewart, “Sustainable Development Goals”, in parliamentary debates (House of Commons)[2], column 592:
- In comparing Britain with other countries, it is important to remember that we are not comparing like with like; there is an apples and oranges issue.
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see apples, and, oranges.
Synonyms[edit]
Antonyms[edit]
- apples to apples, apples with apples
- apples to apples, oranges to oranges
- oranges with oranges (rare)
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
non-comparable items
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See also[edit]
- coinstantiation (apples and oranges are both fruit)
- like-for-like
- noncomparable, uncomparable