- Meaning
- This idiom describes someone who closely resembles their parent or ancestor in character, behavior, or appearance. It suggests that the person is a direct reflection or continuation of their predecessor, much like a chip carved from a larger block of wood retains its qualities. The phrase is often used affectionately or admiringly, though it can also imply inheriting flaws.
- Origin
- The phrase dates to the 17th century, rooted in woodworking metaphors. An early version appears in a 1621 sermon by Bishop John Earle: ‘The sonne is a chippe of the olde blocke.’ The imagery reflects the idea that a chip from a block shares its grain and essence. By the 18th century, it was common in English, with literary uses by Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke. In the 19th century, American writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson adopted it, emphasizing familial resemblance in character. Its enduring use reflects its vivid, relatable imagery.
- Variants
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- Chip off the old block
- A chip from the old block
- Examples
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- With his quick wit and charm, he’s a chip off the old block, just like his father.
- She’s a chip off the old block, inheriting her mother’s talent for painting and her stubborn streak.
- The young chef is a chip off the old block, cooking dishes as flavorful as his grandfather’s recipes.
- He’s a chip from the old block, taking after his dad’s love for fixing cars and telling bad jokes.
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