A chip off the old block

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Meaning

A person much like their parent, sharing traits.

Origin

From 17th-century England, tied to woodworking; 'chip off the block' meant kin, slang by 1621 in a Burton text for a son's echo. A 1670s play uses it for a lad's mimic.

Variants

  • Chip off block

Usage Examples

  • He's a chip off the old block; same temper!
  • A chip off the old block; she's all her mom.
  • Chip off the old block-dad's grin.

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