the spitting image of
/ðə ˈspɪtɪŋ ˈɪmɪdʒ ɒv/
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone who looks identical to or bears a very strong physical resemblance to someone else, typically a parent, sibling, or relative. The tone is casual, observant, and often warm.
Examples
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He is the spitting image of his father when he was that age.
He is the spitting image of his father when he was that age.
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With those eyes and that smile, she is the spitting image of her grandmother.
With those eyes and that smile, she is the spitting image of her grandmother.
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Have you seen his son? He's the spitting image of him!
Have you seen his son? He's the spitting image of him!
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People always mistake her for her sister because she is the spitting image of her.
People always mistake her for her sister because she is the spitting image of her.
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The young actor they cast is the spitting image of the historical figure he's playing.
The young actor they cast is the spitting image of the historical figure he's playing.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is the splitting image of his dad.
✓ He is the spitting image of his dad.
The correct word is "spitting", not "splitting". This is a very common mistake even among native speakers due to phonetic similarity.
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✗ She has the spitting image of her mother.
✓ She is the spitting image of her mother.
Use the verb "to be" (is/are/was), not "to have", with this expression.
Related Expressions
Practice
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With that curly red hair, the little girl is ___ her mother.
💡 Looks exactly like.
Show answer
the spitting image of
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He doesn't just look a bit like his brother; he is ___ him.
💡 A perfect physical resemblance.
Show answer
the spitting image of