He's a chip off the old block

Are you using the idiom He's a chip off the old block but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the He's a chip off the old block idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "He's a chip off the old block"

Meaning

The phrase ‘He’s a chip off the old block’ is an idiom which is used to describe a person who is similar in character or behaviour to a parent, especially a father. It suggests that the person has taken after their parent in a positive way.

Etymology

The idiom ‘He’s a chip off the old block’ originated in the late 19th century. It is believed to have come from the idea of a block of wood which is used to make a carpenter’s chisel. The chisel is then used to carve or shape the wood, and the product of this process would be a chip off the block. The metaphor being used here is that the person being described is similar to the parent, in the same way that the chip is similar to the block.

Usage

The idiom ‘He’s a chip off the old block’ is used to describe a person who is similar in character or behaviour to a parent, especially a father. It is used positively to suggest that the person has taken after their parent in a positive way. It can be used to highlight the resemblance between a parent and a child, and the similarities that they share.

Example Sentences

• He’s a chip off the old block – just like his dad, he’s always getting into mischief.
• She’s such a chip off the old block – she has the same stubborn streak as her mother.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.