bear a striking resemblance

Meaning

This expression means to look very similar to someone or something else, often to a surprising degree. It is typically used when discussing family members, lookalikes, or even artistic style similarities. The tone is somewhat formal and polite, though common in everyday educated speech.

Examples

• You bear a striking resemblance to your maternal grandfather when he was young.

  You bear a striking resemblance to your maternal grandfather when he was young.

• The two sisters bear a striking resemblance to each other, especially when they smile.

  The two sisters bear a striking resemblance to each other, especially when they smile.

• He bears a striking resemblance to a famous Hollywood actor, so people often ask for his autograph.

  He bears a striking resemblance to a famous Hollywood actor, so people often ask for his autograph.

• This old oil painting bears a striking resemblance to the house we lived in as children.

  This old oil painting bears a striking resemblance to the house we lived in as children.

• Scientists noted that the newly discovered species bears a striking resemblance to a common garden beetle.

  Scientists noted that the newly discovered species bears a striking resemblance to a common garden beetle.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She bears a striking resemblance with her mother.

  ✓ She bears a striking resemblance to her mother.

  The noun phrase 'resemblance' is followed by the preposition 'to', not 'with'.

• ✗ He has a striking resemblance look of his brother.

  ✓ He bears a striking resemblance to his brother.

  'Bear a resemblance to' is the correct idiomatic collocation; combining 'resemblance' with 'look of' is incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You ___ to that actor from the new sci-fi movie.

  💡 Look incredibly similar to.

  Show answer

  bear a striking resemblance

• Although they aren't related, they ___.

  💡 Look very much alike.

  Show answer

  bear a striking resemblance