What does “Chip off the old block” mean?

"Chip off the old block" means having similar qualities or characteristics as one's parent.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's a chip off the old block - just like his father, he's always been good with numbers.

Example

She's definitely a chip off the old block - she has the same artistic talent as her mother.

Example

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree - he's a chip off the old block when it comes to his sense of humor

Is “Chip off the old block” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Chip off the old block” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Chip off the old block” effectively in context?

You can use "Chip off the old block" to describe someone who has similar qualities or characteristics as their parent. It emphasizes the idea of resemblance and inheritance. For example, if you meet a child who is exceptionally talented in music just like their musician parent, you might say, 'They're definitely a chip off the old block.'

1Family
He's a chip off the old block - just like his father, he's always been good with numbers.
2Artistic Talent
She's definitely a chip off the old block - she has the same artistic talent as her mother.
3Sense of Humor
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree - he's a chip off the old block when it comes to his sense of humor.

Similar phrases to “Chip off the old block”:

Like father, like son

Used to express that a son has similar qualities or behavior as his father

Example

He's just like his father - like father, like son.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Used to express that a child has inherited certain qualities or characteristics from their parent

Example

She's a talented artist, just like her mother - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

A chip off the old block

Having similar qualities or characteristics as one's parent

Example

He's a chip off the old block - just like his father, he's always been good with numbers.

Following in someone's footsteps

To pursue a similar path or career as someone else, often a parent

Example

She's following in her mother's footsteps and becoming a doctor.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Chip off the old block” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Chip off the old block" is unknown.

Is “Chip off the old block” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Chip off the old block" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It's often used to highlight similarities between parents and their children.

What tone does “Chip off the old block” have?

"Chip off the old block" conveys a tone of admiration and recognition. It's used to acknowledge and appreciate the resemblance and shared qualities between generations.

Can “Chip off the old block” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "chip off the old block" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of similarity and inheritance. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's a chip off the old block - just like her mother, she has a great singing voice.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's a chip off the old block!' to imply that someone resembles their parent.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

spitting image
clone
mirror image
mini-me
carbon copy

Antonyms

rebel
black sheep
odd one out
different breed
break the mold