spitting image
Meaning
Someone who looks extremely like another person; an exact likeness (often within a family).
Origin
The phrase is widely believed to be a folk-altered form of “the spit and image (of),” where “spit” meant ‘exact likeness/offspring’ and “image” meant ‘likeness.’ Over time it became the modern “spitting image.”
Notes
Mostly used for strong physical resemblance, often in families. Informal to neutral and common in conversation.
Examples
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She’s the spitting image of her mother, right down to the dimples.
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When I saw his son at the reunion, it was like looking at the spitting image of him at twenty.
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That old photo proves you’re the spitting image of your grandfather.
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With that haircut and those glasses, you’re the spitting image of your dad.
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Everyone says the new actor is the spitting image of the singer he’s playing.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as “the spitting image of + person” or “a spitting image of + person” (less common). Often with “He/She is the spitting image of his/her father.”
Synonyms
- dead ringer
- look-alike
- the very image of
- a carbon copy
Antonyms
- nothing like
- not resemble