“Comparisons are odious”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Comparisons are odious means that making comparisons between people, things, or situations is often unfair or pointless, as it can lead to jealousy, resentment, or an inaccurate evaluation.
Tone The tone of this phrase is cautionary, highlighting the negative consequences that can arise from making comparisons.
Where it comes from
The phrase Comparisons are odious is believed to have originated from the 15th century. It was popularized by John Lydgate in The Debate of the Horse, Goose, and Sheep and later used by William Shakespeare in Much Ado About Nothing.
Examples
- She reminded them that comparisons are odious when they started debating who was the better singer.
- Whenever he compared his achievements to others’, he had to remind himself that comparisons are odious.
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