Two Peas in a Pod – Meaning, Origin & Usage
The phrase “two peas in a pod” is a popular English idiom that is so often used that its become cliche. If you don’t know the meaning of the term however, you’ve come to just the place!
In this article, we will unlock the meaning of the term “two peas in a pod” and delve into its historical origins, before going on to explain how the phrase is typically used. We will then top that off with examples of similar and synonymous expressions that can be used in its place.
Let’s get straight to it!
What does the phrase “two peas in a pod” mean?
The phrase “two peas in a pod” is used to refer to two people or things that are very similar to each other, or almost identical in appearance or character. Specifically, the phrase is comparing these things to how peas in the same pod look very alike, essentially describing a very close resemblance between the two entities.
Historical origins of the phrase
The phrase “two peas in a pod” is quite an old one dating back many centuries. One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase is found in John Lyly’s novel “Euphues and his England” from around 1580.
The phrase “two peas in a pod” is derived from the observation that peas growing inside a pod often appear very similar to each other in size and appearance, or even, in some cases, identical. The phrase is used figuratively, symbolising a close resemblance between two people or things.
How to use the phrase “two peas in a pod”
The phrase is most often used to describe how two people are very much alike. This is regardless of the way in which the two people are like. The phrase can be used to refer to similar personalities, similar interests, similar physical characteristics or any combination of the three.
People often find that the phrase is appropriate to use in regard to two family members, however it does not have to be limited to this. For example, it can be used to refer to friends, or to a lesser extent, acquaintances or even enemies.
Similar expressions and idioms
Here follows a list of similar expressions that are synonymous with the phrase “two peas in a pod”:
- Cut from the same cloth
- Like mother like daughter
- Like father like son
- The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
- Two of a kind
- Perfect match
- Carbon copy
- Dead ringer
- Spitting image
- Clone
- Mirror image
- Birds of a feather
Final word
So, in summary, the phrase “two peas in a pod” is used to refer to two people or things that are very similar to each other, or almost identical in appearance or character. The phrase dates back many centuries to at least 1580.
The phrase is most often used to describe how two people are very much alike, whether it be through similar personalities, interests, or physical characteristics.
