Apples and oranges facts for kids
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The phrase apples and oranges is a common English idiom. An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a different meaning than their individual words. This idiom is used to describe two things or people that are so different, it's not fair or useful to compare them. It's like saying you can't compare a bicycle to a spaceship – they are just too unlike! People often use this phrase to warn that a comparison is not proper because the items belong to very different groups.
Contents
History of the Idiom
The idea behind "apples and oranges" has been around for a long time. This idiom first appeared in a book of proverbs in 1670. Back then, the saying was "apples and oysters." Over time, "oysters" changed to "oranges." This phrase has become a well-known part of English-speaking culture. Idioms can sometimes be tricky for people learning a new language.
Similar Sayings Around the World
The idea of comparing very different things isn't just in English. Many other languages have their own versions of this idiom:
- In French-speaking Quebec, people say comparer des pommes avec des oranges (to compare apples and oranges).
- In Europe, the French idiom is comparer des pommes et des poires (to compare apples and pears).
- In Latin America, the Spanish idiom is comparar papas y boniatos (comparing potatoes and sweet potatoes). Another common one is comparar peras con manzanas (comparing pears and apples).
- In British English, the phrase chalk and cheese means the same thing as apples and oranges.
How to Compare Things Fairly
When you want to compare anything, you need a clear idea of what you are trying to prove. You also need a way to test your idea. Here are three important questions to ask first:
- What exactly are we comparing?
- Are the things we chose actually good for comparing?
- Do the ways we are measuring them work the same way for both?
Scientific Studies Inspired by the Idiom
The "apples and oranges" idiom has even inspired real scientific research!
- For example, the British Medical Journal published a study that compared red delicious apples with navel oranges. They found that these fruits actually had many things in common.
- However, there are also differences, especially in their nutritional value.
- Scientists at NASA Ames Research Center did experiments showing that apples and oranges decay (rot) at similar rates.
Related pages
External links
- Cummins RO, Hazinski MF. "Apples and oranges," Annals of Emergency Medicine (Ann Emerg Med). 1999;33:602–603.
- Johnson W. "Comparing apples with oranges," Archives of Internal Medicine (Arch Intern Med). 1998;158:1591–1592.
- Lubarsky DA. "Comparing apples to oranges," Anesthesia and Analgesia. (Anesth Analg). 1995 Aug;8:428–429.
- Moayyedi P. "Meta-analysis: can we mix apples and oranges?" American Journal of Gastroentrology (Am J Gastroenterol). 2004 Dec;99(12):2297-301.
- Smithsonian.com, Comparing Apples and Oranges
Images for kids
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Not all apples are alike nor are all oranges.
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Oranges, like apples, grow on trees.
See also
In Spanish: Peras con manzanas para niños
