add up to the same thing

add up to the same thing

To be essentially the same. The phrase usually implies that the difference between two things has no significant consequence. I don't care who started the fight, it adds up to the same thing—you getting suspended from school. These different expenses all add up to the same thing—money coming out of my bank account.

See also: add, same, thing, to, up

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.