Every language has its compilation of wise sayings, terms, and phrases. As they are often referred to, these proverbs offer advice, values, and principles on how to live. The English language is no different, and one of those astute sayings is “like two peas in a pod.” But what does like two peas in a pod mean?
The term “like two peas in a pod” is used to show similarity between two people. It means that they are so similar that it is hard to tell them apart. The idiom is used to express character traits as well as physical characteristics in people who are alike.
“Like Two Peas in a Pod” – Origins of the Phrase
The idiom, in all probability, comes from the fact that two peas are almost identical when viewed next to each other inside the pod. In fact, even when you take them out of the pod and place them side by side, you will see that they are literally identical.
You may not even be able to tell each one apart from the other. Size may vary slightly; however, their color and shape will be indistinguishable. So it leads to the comparison that people who have certain similarities are likened to two peas in a pod.
The proverb may be much older; however, over the last 200 years, it’s been used to express how people can be alike. It’s evident in print from the 19th century, particularly in work by Catherine G. Ward. Her book is called “The Widow’s Choice.”
The term may also be found in a number of newspapers from that period of time.
“Like Two Peas in a Pod” – Meaning
It is believed that this phrase was first used in the 16th century. Although it is a metaphorical term, it has to do with the verbatim illustration of a pea pod. If you’ve ever looked inside a pea pod, you would know that you cannot tell one pea apart from the other inside the pod. So this is where the term relates and is used to show how two people are much alike or have the same tendencies.
When and How to Use “Like Two Peas in a Pod”
The phrase “like two peas in a pod” can be used in many instances to show the similarities between two people. For instance, if you observe your child playing with a friend and find that they often have the same inclination towards food, drinks, activities, or choice of games, you would say that they are “like two peas in a pod.”
Or perhaps, you notice that your husband and his friend share the same opinions pertaining to a lot of life’s challenges such as marriage, raising children, discipline, etc., you would likely comment on your observation of how they are “like two peas in a pod.”
When: The term is most fitting in situations where you notice that two people share characteristics or physical qualities that are much the same. This is when it makes the most sense to either say it to yourself, another person or even comment on it to the people you are talking about.
How: This term is a fairly harmless saying, and people are rarely likely to be offended by it. Using the saying usually implies a positive connotation. Perhaps the only time someone is likely to be offended is if they felt you were trying to be condescending to them. But if you ensure that your tone is light-hearted, you are likely to avoid this unpleasant situation from arising.
Other Ways to Say “Like Two Peas in a Pod”
The proverb ‘like two peas in a pod” can be said in other ways. Let take a look at them:
- Exact
- Corresponding
- Equivalent
- One and the same
- Tantamount
- Indistinguishable
- Dead ringer
- Identic
- Same
- Twin
- Interchangeable
- Ditto
- Like
- Same difference
- Very
- Xerox
- Double
- Look-alike
- Selfsame
- Very same
- Carbon copy
- Duplicate
- Matching
- Splitting image
The Opposite of “Like Two Peas in a Pod”
- Diverse
- Divers
- Divergent
- Distinctive
- Distinct
- Distant
- Disparate
- Discrepant
- Differential
- Deviating
- Contrastive
- Contrasting
- Contrary
- Contradistinctive
- Contradistinct
- Colorful
- Clashing
- Changed
- At variance
- At odds
- Antithetic
- A far cry from
- Chalk and cheese
- Apples and oranges
Idioms with a Homogenous meaning
A few idioms may be used to imply that two things or people are the same. This could be in either character traits or physical attributes. One of those idioms is “cut from the same cloth.” It implies that two things or people are the same in one or more ways.
Example: My sons are very akin in tendencies to their dad. They are cut from the same cloth.
The saying, “to be a dead ringer,” is also another idiom that implies that a person is very similar in their nature, characteristics, or tendencies to another individual.
Example: My children are so much like their mother that they are, in fact, a dead ringer to their mother.
Other idioms that are similar to “like two peas in a pod” but not quite the same or interchangeable are “a match made in Heaven.” However, the difference here is that it should be used to substitute “like two peas in a pod” in the backdrop of a relationship.
Example: Since the day Lucy met Harry at college, the two lovebirds have been practically inseparable. It’s a match made in Heaven.
Likewise, the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” has a similar meaning. But this saying is used to show how people who have the same characteristics like to stay together or close to each other.
Example: During the soccer game, all the Manchester United fans sat on one part of the stadium while the Liverpool supporters were seated on the other. It definitely was evident that birds of a feather flock together.
Example Conversations with “Like Two Peas in a Pod”
A conversation between a father, son, and mother.
Father: I think we need a boy’s night out. What do you say?
Son: Yes! We could do with a relaxing day, snorkeling and fishing.
Father: Yeah, we’ll also get some go-cart riding done.
Son: That sounds fantastic, dad! Let’s go tomorrow.
Mother: I promise you two are like two peas in a pod.
A conversation between two co-workers:
Co-worker 1: Jane and Amy are like two peas in a pod.
Co-worker 2: What makes you say that?
Co-worker 1: They are always acting and doing things the same way. In fact, they even look the same when they stand next to each other.
Co-worker 2: Yes, I do see it now.
Example Sentences with the Idiom “Like Two Peas in a Pod”
- She loved her caring boyfriend, Eric. Two peas in a pod, they enjoyed the same zest for life and sense of humor.
- Relationship and cooperation are like two peas in a pod.
- The two girls hit it off like two peas in a pod, just like their mothers.
- The pair are known to be best friends and, of course, like two peas in a pod.
- For years, Prince Harry and William have been like two peas in a pod.
- Her dearly departed husband was her other half and constant companion. They were indeed like two peas in a pod.
- They haven’t spent a day apart since they met. In fact, you could say that they are together all time like two peas in a pod.
- Britney and her best friend are like two peas in a pod, and they could be sisters.
- Those girls could be twins since they are like two peas in a pod.
- He packed the kids in the back of the small car like two peas in a pod, and off they went.
- We were always like two peas in a pod when we were growing up; now, we are poles apart.
- My dogs are like two peas in a pod.
- My kittens are like two peas in a pod.
- My husband and I often finish each other’s sentences; it’s almost as if we are like two peas in a pod.
- My wife and I agree on most things to do with life, love, and marriage, like two peas in a pod.
- My daughter and niece are so much alike; it’s almost scary how they are like two peas in a pod.
- My brother and I are always of the same opinion when it comes to certain sensitive topics, like two peas in a pod.
- She will always remain my best friend; after all, we were like two peas in a pod.
Additional English Idioms
Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, the phrase idiom, or term “like two peas in a pod,” is around for decades. Even in the 21st century, it is still a frequent way of showing similarities between two people: friends, siblings, partners, or even strangers. Knowing how to use this saying in your writing and in your communications with people will be a great advantage both on and off the paper.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.