apples and oranges

• apples to oranges

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

apples and oranges pl (plural only)

1. (idiomatic) A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible equation, or the items thus compared.

   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:

     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)‎, 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.

• chalk and cheese
• night and day
• day and night

• apples to apples, apples with apples
• apples to apples, oranges to oranges
• oranges with oranges (rare)

• mix apples and oranges

• coinstantiation (apples and oranges are both fruit)
• like-for-like
• noncomparable, uncomparable