Comparing Apples to Oranges Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom “comparing apples to oranges” is to compare two dissimilar things. If a person compares two items which are very different then he is comparing apples to oranges. In literal sense as there is no comparison between apples and oranges likewise, there is no comparison between a truck and a nano car. Thus, such comparison seems invalid. 

The exact opposite of the idiom comparing apples to oranges is comparing apples to apples which signifies comparison between two similar items.

Also read: You are the Apple of my Eye Meanings, Examples and Synonyms 

Usage with Examples

The idiom “comparing apples with oranges” refers to an unfair, non-identical and invalid comparison of two things. The idiom is used in everyday life to highlight unique products or experiences. This idiom refers to two things that are fundamentally opposite to each other. This suggests that the comparison is illogical as there are no identical characteristics between the items being compared. 

Given below are some examples of where you can use the idiom ‘Comparing Apples with Oranges’’:

• I can’t believe Rachel married Chandler, it’s like comparing apples with oranges as they are so different from each other.
• You can’t compare a truck with a hybrid car, it’s like collating apples with oranges. 
• Comparing the educational systems of two different countries is like comparing apples with oranges.

Also read: Useful idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meaning

Synonyms and Similar Words to Comparing Apples to Oranges

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to “Comparing Apples to Oranges”:

1. Comparing chalk and cheese
2. Contradictory 
3. Dissimilar
4. Conflicting
5. Discordant 
6. Unlike 

Comparing Apples to Oranges Meaning Quiz

Which of the following comparison is relatable to the idiom “Comparing Apples to Oranges:”

1. Comparing two water bottles
2. Comparing a Kathak Dancer and a non-dancer
3. Comparing two pens 
4. Comparing Samsung manufactured mobile phones

Ans: b. Comparing a Kathak Dancer and a non-dancer.

This was all about the idiom ‘Comparing Apples to Oranges’ meaning and examples. Hope you get the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.