What Does the Idiom Two Peas in a Pod Mean?

"Two peas in a pod" is a popular idiom used to describe two items or people that appear close or similar. It derives from the fact that two peas from the same pod are nearly identical and unable to be distinguished from one another.

History

Versions of the phrase "two peas in a pod" date back to as early as the 16th century. In Tudor England, "pease" was the singular form, with the word "pea" not coming into use until the 17th century.

Types

Two peas in a pod is commonly used to describe best friends, twins, siblings, lovers or people in a close relationship who share likes and dislikes.

Function

The phrase is also used when there is an unexpected coincidence of two similar things at the same time, such as two people arriving at a party in the same dress

Significance

Idioms are not considered part of language, but part of culture. They often require experience or previous knowledge to be understood. "Two peas in a pod" is one of the more universal idioms, because it can be easily understood by someone who has never heard it before.

Fun Fact

In the movie "Forrest Gump," the main character used the much quoted line: "Me and Jenny goes together like peas and carrots". This similar "pea" idiom derives from a common American side dish pairing peas and carrots.

References

• The Phrase Finder
• Forrest Gump