apples and oranges

(Redirected from compare apples and oranges)

English edit

 
English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Noun edit

apples and oranges pl (plural only)

  1. (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.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see apples,‎ and,‎ oranges.

Synonyms edit

Antonyms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

See also edit