The expression "like apples and oranges" is often used to compare two things that are very different from each other. In terms of spelling, "apples" is pronounced /ˈæpəlz/ with a short "a" sound in the first syllable and a voiced "z" sound at the end. "Oranges," on the other hand, is pronounced /ˈɔːrɪndʒɪz/ with a long "o" sound in the first syllable and a voiced "j" sound at the end. The difference in pronunciation highlights the contrasting nature of the two fruits and emphasizes the idea of dissimilarity.
The idiom "like apples and oranges" is used to compare or contrast two things or concepts that are fundamentally distinct or incomparable from each other. It implies that the two items being compared have significant differences in nature, characteristics, or even purpose.
The phrase draws its analogy from the dissimilarity between apples and oranges. While both fruits belong to the same broad category of fruits, they differ greatly in terms of taste, appearance, texture, and even geographical origin. Apples are typically crunchy, have a range of flavors, and are grown in temperate regions. On the other hand, oranges are known for their citrusy, sweet and tangy taste, with a juicy pulp, and are commonly cultivated in warmer climates.
Hence, when someone says that two things are like apples and oranges, they are emphasizing the stark contrast or dissimilarity between them. It suggests that any attempt to compare or equate the two would be erroneous or misleading, as they possess completely distinct attributes or properties. This idiom is often used to convey the idea that certain things should not be compared due to their fundamental differences, whether it be in terms of category, qualities, or functionality.