apples to oranges

Also found in: Acronyms.

apples to oranges

A comparison of two unlike things or people. Oh, you can't compare those two companies, that's apples to oranges.

apples to oranges

and A2O

phr. & comp. abb. [but that’s comparing] apples to oranges; [You are] making an unfair comparison. Chevvies and Beemers! That’s apples to oranges! They’re not even in the same class! It’s A2O! What can I say?

See also: apple, orange

References in periodicals archive ?

Comparing the magnitude of World War II to Iraq is like comparing apples to oranges.

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Belmont coach Nancy Carr-Swaim, asked Saturday which program would win, declined to answer, saying, ``It's like comparing apples to oranges.

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While it is easier for most to compare apples to apples, we are really comparing apples to oranges.

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Comparing guns with automobiles is like comparing apples to oranges.

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MTA officials ridiculously dismiss that question as one of comparing apples to oranges.

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Note: When seeking quotes, be sure to use the same coverage criteria with each firm to avoid comparing apples to oranges.