# apples to apples

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/apples-to-apples
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A comparison of items that are similar.

## Examples

- We need to compare apples to apples to see which phone is better.
- To make a fair decision, we must ensure we are comparing apples to apples when looking at these two job offers.
- The researchers struggled to draw a valid conclusion because the data sets were not apples to apples, making a direct comparison between the two groups impossible.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.