You want to describe a situation where two seemingly opposing things are actually quite similar. But you use the phrase “two sides of the same coin” way too often already!
It’s time to shake things up! Below, we’ve compiled a list of similar phrases and idioms, so you don’t bore yourself to tears with the same old saying.
- Much the same
- Cut from the same cloth
- Double-edged sword
- Two peas in a pod
- Adjacent
- Apples and oranges
- Two of a kind
- In the same league
- On equal footing
- Interchangeable
- Parallel
- Same same, but different
- Indistinguishable
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The phrase “two sides of the same coin” is a metaphor that is popular enough to be considered an idiom.
- A less figurative alternative to this phrase is “much the same.”
- A similarly idiomatic synonym for this phrase is “cut from the same cloth.”
Keep reading to see how we use our choice of synonyms for “two sides of the same coin” in a couple of helpful examples.
After that, we’ll discuss the original phrase in more detail. Is it a metaphor?
Much the Same
Another way of saying “two sides of the same coin” is to simply say “much the same.”
Like the original, this synonym essentially means that two things are practically the same, even if they may appear different at first glance. Moreover, it has the benefit of being shorter and less idiomatic.
Therefore, you can use this phrase in situations where a more formal tone is required. You can use it at work, for example, or in usual business correspondence.
It is not a better phrase than “two sides of the same coin,” but you can use it in situations where figurative language wouldn’t be suitable. In business, one ought to get to the point!
Finally, let’s see an email example making use of this phrase:
Dear Cole,
I have considered the two calculation methods you posited in more detail.
Having done so, I can confirm that they are much the same, despite the greater popularity of the second method.
Regards,
Jennifer
Now, let’s look at a regular example sentence:
Medicine includes the study and understanding of parts of the human body, and, in many ways, psychology is much the same.
Cut From the Same Cloth
If you’re looking for similar idioms to “two sides of the same coin,” our alternative of choice is the phrase “cut from the same cloth.”
Like the original phrase, this phrase states that two things are of the same nature or similar, in spite of appearances or any evidence to the contrary.
Moreover, this phrase is a metaphor, just like the original phrase. After all, in this phrase, we are comparing the nature of the two things to a cloth.
However, this phrase and the original can be used to express different sentiments and they are not always directly interchangeable.
“Cut from the same cloth” is not a better phrase than the original. However, you can use it to mix up your phrasing if the other saying starts to feel worn out.
Finally, let’s see how you might use this phrase in a couple of examples:
They argue constantly, but it’s clear to the rest of us that the two of them are cut from the same cloth.
All politicians are cut from the same cloth; it is an inherently egotistical career choice.
Is “Two Sides of the Same Coin” a Metaphor?
The phrase “two sides of the same coin” is indeed a metaphor. After all, this phrase is directly comparing two things to the faces of a coin.
Essentially, it means that although two things may seem in opposition, they are actually inseparable:
- Fear and anger may seem like distinct emotions, but they are often two sides of the same coin.
This phrase is also an idiom. In other words, people use it so commonly that the figurative meaning is more likely to be understood than the literal meaning.
Therefore, when an English speaker hears the phrase “two sides of the same coin,” they tend to know immediately that the speaker is not referring to an actual coin.
We hope you found this article useful. If you think you might make use of our list of alternative phrases in the future, feel free to bookmark this page for later!
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