apple-to-orange

Being the antonym for "apple-to-apple", this term refers to the comparison between two things (or more) that simply don't compare! For example, you were born on Sunday, February 22nd 2004. You aren't going to have ever celebrated your birthday during Ramadan until Sunday, February 22nd 2026. But still, you have always compared with the rapper Quavo who have once celebrated his birthday during Ramadan. And the last time this rapper celebrated his birthday was on Tuesday, April 2nd 2024.

Trying to compare my birthday on February 22nd 2004, with Quavo's Ramadan birthday is just an apple-to-orange situation; they’re worlds apart!

apple-to-orange by Emotional Cruiser January 8, 2026

apple-to-orange comparison

The comparison between two (or more) things that cannot be compared apple-to-apple, e.g. comparing the demand of being a kindergartener with that of being a college student — even though they both "only" go to school 3 hours per day

Trying to compare the stress levels of a kindergartener to a college student is just an apple-to-orange comparison—sure, they both "only" go to school 3 hours per day, but the responsibilities are worlds apart!

apple-to-orange comparison by Emotional Cruiser October 14, 2025

apples to oranges 

An unresolvable and ultimately useless comparison.

A comparison which is just as easy to support as it is to contest.

Something which is both the same and different simultaneously depending on your point of view.

alt. *Apples to Apples*--Though not the initial meaning, occasionally the phrase "apples to oranges" is used to dismiss a "distinct difference" noted between two things which are not distinctly different. IE the neverending opinion wars often attributed to brand-loyalty. These are based on imaginary chasms of vast differences which cannot be proven or conclusively settled. IN other words these things are not really very different, but people desperately want to believe they are.

When someone says "you're comparing apples to oranges" they're really saying "Why are you trying to compare those things? You can't compare apples to oranges, they're just not the same thing."

They're both sweet. They're both fruit. They're both the same. But they're not. One's an apple, and one's an orange. Is that all there is to it? One tastes better. No it doesn't. Yes it does. How do you decide which one everyone likes more? How *can* you decide?

A great example of silly apples to oranges is vanilla and chocolate.

Invalid apples to oranges comparisons would be like comparing Bush or Clinton to Lincoln, Jefferson, or Washington. You can't, so don't.

Examples of useless "nonexistant-vast-differences" apples to oranges comparisons are Macs and PC's, Fords and Chevys, Nikons and Canons.. In reality this is mostly "apples to apples" comparison.

Apples to oranges usually ends with each person believing or feeling whatever they do and leaving it at that. That's all there is to it. Neither can really ever be better or worse, and nobody can win the argument.

In the end, the whole point of making the comparison is to illustrate: there is really no point in making the comparison.

apples to oranges by Armand Banana January 9, 2006

apples to oranges 

a comparison that is unfair because the subjects cannot be evaluated according to the same criteria

This discussion on who has the most authority in the county is apples to oranges. We are getting nothing done.

apples to oranges by The Return of Light Joker January 16, 2011