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Glam Journal

Where did the phrase apples and oranges come from

Author

David Craig

Updated on April 27, 2026

It is said that the idiom “apples to oranges” first known as “apples to oysters” in John Ray’s proverb collection of 1670. The original expression referred to oysters on behalf of oranges as something which can never be compared with the apples.

What does the phrase apples and oranges mean?

The phrase “comparing apples and oranges” is often invoked when a person compares two items that are thought to be so different as to make any comparison invalid. … Surely there are valid comparisons that can be made.

What does it mean the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

a child usually has a similar character or similar qualities to his or her parents: Her daughter soon showed her own musical talent, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Why do people say you can't compare apples to oranges?

Originally, the phrase is used when referring to two things that are fundamentally different and therefore not worth comparing. The point of the metaphor is that nobody could mistake an apple for an orange.

What helps us understand the difference in meaning between the word apple and orange?

An idiom is a metaphorical figure of speech, and it is understood that it is not a use of literal language. … The idiom comparing apples and oranges means that one is trying to draw similarities between two things that are not similar.

What does as American as apple pie mean?

The saying “as American as apple pie” describes things that represent the best of American culture. People use this expression when talking about things like blue jeans, baseball and rock-n-roll music.

Is apples to oranges a metaphor?

Unlike objects or persons, as in Assessing the problems of the neighborhood grocery by examining a giant supermarket is comparing apples and oranges . This metaphor for dissimilarity began as apples and oysters, which appeared in John Ray’s proverb collection of 1670.

What did August's mom mean when she was talking about Julian and his mother and said the apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

What did August’s mom mean when she was talking about Julian and his mother and said “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”? That Julian and his mother sometimes pick up apples from a tree. Q. What is August’s favorite holiday?

What does apple and pears mean?

British English Slang – Apples and pears. Meaning – Stairs. The set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another. This expression is an example of Cockney (or London) rhyming slang.

Why are baby apples falling off tree?

Apples start dropping off the tree before they are ripe or even fully grown. Often the flesh has softened and is less tasty than normal. There are many factors that can trigger early fruit drop: excessive fruit load, excessive summer pruning, insect damage, diseases and extremes in weather.

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Was Isaac Newton hit by an apple?

he first thought of his system of gravitation which he hit upon by observing an apple fall from a tree , The incident occurring in the late summer of 1666. In other accounts it is stated that Newton was sitting in his garden at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham in Lincolnshire when the incident occurred.

What does the expression do something at the drop of a hat mean?

Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [ Late 1800s]

What does short end of the stick mean?

Definition of the short end of the stick : unfair or unfavorable treatment She got the short end of the stick in the deal.

Do something at the drop of a hat?

If you say that you are ready to do something at the drop of a hat, you mean that you are willing to do it immediately, without hesitating.

What's healthier apples or oranges?

While apples contain more fiber, an important nutrient that aids in healthy digestion and lowering cholesterol, oranges provide more vitamins and minerals including the ever-powerful vitamin C.

How close are apples and pears?

Pears and apples are closely related but not identical. They are different genera (Pears: Pyrus; Apples: Malus) within the same family: Rosaceae. And, yes, Rosaceae does include roses as well as apples and pears and a huge number of other fruit bearing and ornamental plants.

What is the saying about baseball and apple pie?

If there’s any phrase that exemplifies our American culture, it’s the iconic jingle, “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, they go together in the good ol’ USA.”

What does the saying mom and apple pie mean?

used to represent things that most Americans consider to be very good and important: For some Americans, low taxes and small government are as sacred as motherhood and apple pie. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Informal words for good.

Are apple pies British?

Apple pie with a latticePlace of originEnglandFood energy (per 100 g serving)236 kcal (988 kJ)Cookbook: Apple pie Media: Apple pie

Why is 500 a monkey?

Derived from the 500 Rupee banknote, which featured a monkey. EXPLANATION: While this London-centric slang is entirely British, it actually stems from 19th Century India. … Referring to £500, this term is derived from the Indian 500 Rupee note of that era, which featured a monkey on one side.

What is Jacob's slang for?

(UK, slang) Testicles (sometimes spelt Jacob’s). noun.

What does let's make some bees and honey mean?

Bees and Honey is Cockney Rhyming Slang for Money!

When did Auggie cut off his Padawan braid?

In Star Wars, Padawan’s cut off their braids when they become official Jedi Knights, so we can also see Auggie’s decision to cut off his braid as symbolic of him coming into his own. He is ready to find his place in the world. And middle school is where this next leg of his journey begins.

What did Auggie ask for his birthday in wonder?

By R.J. Palacio Auggie wants to invite everyone in his homeroom class plus Summer over for his birthday. When his mom asks if he wants to include the “what’s the deal” kid (a.k.a. Julian), Auggie says she can invite him, and tells her that she should forget about that already.

Why did via become angry with Auggie?

Why did Via get angry with Auggie after the first day of school? He cut off his Padawan braid. … He overheard Jack saying he’d been forced to hang out with Auggie.

What is the June drop?

What is June Drop? June drop on fruit trees refers to the tendency of different types of fruit trees to drop immature fruit in springtime, usually around May or June. Although this is sometimes called May drop, it is usually known as June fruit drop.

Can you eat unripe apple?

Unripe apples are edible and palatable once cooked, as cooking softens the fruit and enhances its natural flavors. There’s a number of recipes for unripe apples.

Do apples ripen after picking?

Unlike some fruits, apples continue to ripen long after they are picked off the tree. This ripening (or over-ripening affects the texture not the taste of the fruit. (ie. They won’t get sweeter just softer).

Who discovered gravity before Newton?

JAIPUR: A Rajasthan minister known for his controversial remarks has now claimed that Indian mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta-II (598-670) discovered the law of gravity over 1,000 years before Issac Newton (1642-1727) did.

Did Isaac Newton really discover gravity?

Isaac Newton changed the way we understand the Universe. Revered in his own lifetime, he discovered the laws of gravity and motion and invented calculus. He helped to shape our rational world view.

Who invented calculus?

Today it is generally believed that calculus was discovered independently in the late 17th century by two great mathematicians: Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz.