as alike as two peas
Meaning
Extremely similar in appearance or character; almost identical.
Origin
From the observation that peas in the same pod look nearly identical. The comparison appears in English from at least the 16th century in forms like “like two peas (in a pod),” later becoming “as like/as alike as two peas.”
Notes
A common, informal simile emphasizing strong similarity (often about twins, siblings, or very similar things). Slightly hyperbolic and friendly in tone.
Examples
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The twins are as alike as two peas, so I can never tell them apart.
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Those two paintings are as alike as two peas; you’d swear they came from the same artist.
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In their interview answers, the candidates sounded as alike as two peas.
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My old phone and the replacement model look as alike as two peas, but the battery life is much better on the new one.
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The sisters’ laughs are as alike as two peas, and you can hear them from across the room.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “as alike as two peas” or “like two peas (in a pod).” Fixed comparison; “two peas” is standard (not typically changed). Used predicatively: “They’re as alike as two peas.”
Synonyms
- like two peas in a pod
- spitting image
- identical
- very similar
- a dead ringer
Antonyms
- different as night and day
- worlds apart
- nothing alike