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apples and oranges

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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apples and oranges pl (plural only)

  1. (idiomatic) A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible analogy, or the items so compared; disanalogy.
    It's apples and oranges. You can't convert square meters to linear inches.
    • 2014 January 17, Kath Murray, “Stop and search in Scotland: record figures need open debate”, in The Guardian[1]:
      So on the one hand, comparing policing issues in Scotland with what is happening in England may be like comparing apples and oranges.
    • 2019 June 11, Rory Stewart, “Sustainable Development Goals”, in parliamentary debates (House of Commons)‎[2], column 592:
      In comparing Britain with other countries, it is important to remember that we are not comparing like with like; there is an apples and oranges issue.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see apples,‎ and,‎ oranges.

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See also

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