Quick answer: “A chip off the old block” describes someone who closely resembles a parent, especially in personality or behaviour.
A chip off the old block — Someone who closely resembles a parent in character, behaviour, or appearance.
Meaning
When someone is called “a chip off the old block”, it means they strongly resemble one of their parents — usually in personality, talents, mannerisms, or values, though sometimes in physical appearance too. The phrase suggests that the family likeness runs deep, as though the child were carved from the very same material as the parent. It is almost always said warmly, often with pride or gentle amusement.
It is a common way to comment on family resemblance in everyday conversation, whether talking about a child taking after a parent's sense of humour, work ethic, stubbornness, or skill in a particular area.
Origin & Usage Note
The idiom likely comes from woodworking and carpentry, where a small chip cut from a larger block of wood naturally shares the same grain, texture, and quality as the block it came from. This image was applied figuratively to children resembling their parents — a smaller piece carrying the essential character of the whole. The phrase has been part of English for a very long time, and while its exact first use is not precisely documented, the underlying image has remained clear and popular across generations.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| With his sharp sense of humour, Tom is definitely a chip off the old block. | Describing a shared personality trait |
| She's a chip off the old block — just as stubborn as her mother. | Highlighting a shared character trait, said affectionately |
| He took over the family bakery and turned out to be a real chip off the old block. | Describing shared skill or career path |
| Everyone says the youngest daughter is a chip off the old block when it comes to painting. | Describing a shared talent |
| People often joke that he's a chip off the old block, right down to his laugh. | Describing a shared mannerism |
How to Use It
Use “a chip off the old block” with “be” to describe a strong resemblance between a child and a parent, usually in personality, talent, or behaviour. It works well in casual conversation, family stories, and light profiles, but it is rarely used in formal biographical writing. It is almost always positive or neutral in tone, expressing warmth rather than criticism.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He is chip off the old block.
He is a chip off the old block. — The article “a” before “chip” is essential; omitting it sounds unnatural.
My best friend and I are chips off the old block — we think exactly alike.
My best friend and I think exactly alike, almost like family. — The idiom describes a parent-child resemblance, not similarity between unrelated people.
She is a chip of the old block.
She is a chip off the old block. — The correct preposition is “off”, not “of”.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
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Quick Check: A chip off the old block
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “a chip off the old block” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “With his sharp sense of humour, Tom is definitely _____.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “a chip off the old block” mean?
“A chip off the old block” describes a child who closely resembles a parent, especially in personality, behaviour, talents, or values. It is usually said with warmth or pride, highlighting a strong family likeness rather than a physical trait alone.
Where does the expression “a chip off the old block” come from?
The idiom likely comes from woodworking, where a small chip of wood cut from a larger block naturally shares the same grain and qualities as the block it came from. This image of a smaller piece carrying the essential character of the whole was applied figuratively to children resembling their parents, and the phrase has been used in English for a very long time.
Can you give an example of “a chip off the old block” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “With his sharp sense of humour, Tom is definitely a chip off the old block.” The sentence highlights that Tom shares a notable personality trait with one of his parents.
Is “a chip off the old block” formal or informal?
The idiom is informal and affectionate. It is common in everyday conversation, family stories, and light-hearted writing, but it would be unusual in formal biographical or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “a chip off the old block”?
This idiom is typically encountered at B2 level. It requires learners to understand a slightly older, image-based figurative expression that is common in conversations about family and personality.
What are common mistakes with “a chip off the old block”?
A common mistake is dropping the article “a”, saying “chip off old block” instead of “a chip off the old block”. Learners also sometimes use it to describe two unrelated people who happen to be similar, when it specifically refers to family resemblance, usually between parent and child.
Can “a chip off the old block” describe negative traits as well as positive ones?
Yes, although it is most often used positively or affectionately, it can occasionally be used about less admirable traits too — for example, describing a stubborn streak inherited from a parent. The overall tone, however, is usually warm rather than critical.
Does “a chip off the old block” only apply to sons and fathers?
No. Although the phrase historically leaned towards describing sons resembling fathers, it is used today for any child resembling either parent, including daughters resembling mothers or fathers, and sons resembling mothers.
How do I practise idioms like “a chip off the old block”?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are excellent for practising English idioms in context. Try describing family members you know who share traits, and look for the idiom in interviews or articles about well-known family dynasties.
Is “a chip off the old block” used in both British and American English?
Yes. “A chip off the old block” is used and understood in both British and American English, and it remains a popular, affectionate way to describe family resemblance across most English-speaking countries.