A dead ringer

What does “A dead ringer” mean?

A dead ringer means someone or something that looks almost exactly like another

When do people say it?

Normally followed by “for”: “a dead ringer for her sister”. It stresses visual resemblance rather than shared personality.

“With that haircut, Maya is a dead ringer for her aunt.”

Is it formal or informal?

Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.

Where does it come from?

Here “dead” adds emphasis, as in an exact match. The phrase is not a reference to a dead person ringing a bell.

Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution

How do you say “A dead ringer” in other languages?

• 🇫🇷In French: être le portrait craché de quelqu’unRead the full page
• 🇩🇪In German: jemandem wie aus dem Gesicht geschnitten seinRead the full page
• 🇪🇸In Spanish: ser el vivo retrato de alguienRead the full page