Dictionary

oranges with oranges en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, plural, plural-only, rare) Synonym of apples to apples.
   • In other words, we suggest comparing lemons with lemons and oranges with oranges rather than as the advisory group proposal does, lemons with oranges. 1959, United States, Congress, House, Committee on Ways and Means, Advisory Group Recommendations on Subchapters C, J, and K of the Internal Revenue Code Hearings Before the Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Eighty-sixth Congress, First Session on Advisory Group Recommendations on Subchapters C, J, and K of the Internal Revenue Code, February 24, 25, 26, 27, March 2, 3, and 4, 1959, page 659:
   • If one wants to compare intentions and movements with each other, one, metaphorically speaking, compares apples with oranges rather than apples with apples and oranges with oranges. 2014, Georg Northoff, Unlocking the Brain, Volume 1: Coding, page 156:
   • I think you are right in saying it was comparing oranges with oranges or apples with apples. 1940, United States, Temporary National Economic Committee, Verbatim Record of the Proceedings, Volume 10, page 612:

Synonyms

apples to apples