- Someone (usually son) closely resembling a parent (usually father) in character, behavior, or appearance.
Explanation
Origin
- Compares child (chip) to parent (block) like pieces of the same wood/stone. Chip shares block's traits.
- Dates to early 17th century.
- Traditionally son/father, now any child/parent.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Mini-me. (Humorous reference to child resembling parent, popularized by Austin Powers)
- Carbon copy. (Exact duplicate)
Milder/Standard:
- He certainly takes after his father.
- She resembles her mother strongly.
- The family resemblance is clear.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal, affectionate, generally positive or neutral.
- Common in family settings or among people who know the family.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Literal meaning (wood chip) irrelevant.
- Refers to familial resemblance (traits, appearance).
Examples
- He loves arguing politics just like his dad – a real chip off the old block.
- Look at her playing the piano! She's a chip off the old block; her mother was a concert pianist.
Dialogue
Aunt Mary: Little Timmy is so good at fixing things already! He took apart the toaster and put it back together.
Uncle John: Ha! He's a real chip off the old block. His dad was always tinkering with electronics.
Aunt Mary: He certainly is!
Social Media Examples
- Family Photo Caption: My son helping me in the garden. A real chip off the old block! 🌱 #FamilyTime #LikeFatherLikeSon
- Comment on video of child singing: Wow, she sounds just like her mom! Definitely a chip off the old block. #Talent #MusicFamily
- Throwback Post: Found this old pic of my dad... guess I'm a chip off the old block after all! 😂 #TBT #FamilyResemblance
Response Patterns
- Often met with agreement, smiles, further anecdotes.
- He really is!
- I know, just like his father!
- The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (Similar idiom).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Share more examples of resemblance: Does he also [do specific habit]?
- Comment on parent's traits: Well, his dad was always [characteristic].
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually a comment observing child/parent similarity.
Intonation
- Emphasis on chip, old, and block. He's a CHIP off the OLD BLOCK.
- Usually said with affection, amusement, or simple observation.
Generation Differences
- Traditional idiom, well-understood across generations.
- Perhaps used more frequently by older generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.