compare apples and oranges
Meaning
To compare two things that are fundamentally different, so the comparison is unfair, inappropriate, or not very meaningful.
Origin
A metaphor based on contrasting two different fruits; recorded in English from the 17th century as a way to criticize comparisons between unlike categories.
Notes
Often mildly critical: it implies the comparison is unfair or pointless. Used in speech and writing; can sound dismissive, so soften it in sensitive contexts.
Examples
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You can’t compare apples and oranges—this sedan is built for comfort, while that truck is made for hauling.
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It’s unfair to compare apples and oranges when one candidate has ten years of experience and the other just graduated.
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Reviewing those two restaurants together is like comparing apples and oranges because one is fine dining and the other is fast food.
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Don’t compare apples and oranges by judging a freelance contract against a full-time salary without factoring in benefits.
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When you compare apples and oranges in your data, the conclusions will be misleading.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: compare A and B / comparing A and B / compared A and B. Common variant: “compare apples to oranges.” Often appears with “it’s like…”.
Synonyms
- make an unfair comparison
- compare unlike things
- compare apples to oranges
Antonyms
- compare like with like
- make a fair comparison
- apples to apples