Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises

In everyday conversation, we often talk about how people resemble their parents, siblings, or even celebrities. Rather than simply saying, “She looks like her mother”, English speakers frequently reach for a colourful idiom: “She’s the spitting image of her mother”. This vivid expression adds emphasis, emotion, and imagery, making it a strong tool in descriptive speaking and writing, especially in IELTS Speaking Part 2 (describing people) or Part 1 (family and appearance).

In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘be the spitting image of someone’, and provide examples for IELTS Speaking.

Be the Spitting Image of Someone Idiom: Meaning

The idiom ‘to be the spitting image of someone’ means to look exactly like another person, almost like a mirror image. It is most commonly used to describe family resemblances, particularly between a child and a parent; however, it can also describe similarities between unrelated individuals or even between a person and a statue, photograph, or painting.

• Meaning: To closely resemble someone, especially in physical appearance.
• Structure: [Subject] + be + the spitting image of + [person]

Whether you are discussing family resemblance or artistic imitation, this idiom instantly adds depth and fluency to your speech.

Origin of Be the Spitting Image of Someone Idiom

The phrase evolved from the older term ‘spit and image’, which meant an exact duplicate. The idea was that the child was made from the very ‘spit’ of the parent, a figurative way to suggest blood relation and similarity. Over time, this became compressed into ‘spitting image’.

Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom Usage

The idiom, ‘be the spitting image of somebody’, is frequently used to describe a close resemblance between two people in casual conversation. Below, you will find a list of ways this can be used.

• When Sarah entered the room, everyone gasped—she was the spitting image of her late grandmother.
• The wax figure was so lifelike it looked like the spitting image of the actor himself.
• Even after decades, the portrait remained the spitting image of the young queen.
• He may have his father’s name, but he’s the spitting image of his mother.
• The clone turned out to be the spitting image of its original model, right down to the smallest scar.
• Many people said that I was the spitting image of my father, which makes me feel very proud.

Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom: Synonyms and Related Phrases

Given below are some phrases and common English words used in IELTS Speaking test related to the idiom, be the spitting image of somebody.

Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom: Detailed Usage in IELTS Contexts

In the IELTS Speaking test, especially Part 1 (Family & Relationships) and Part 2 (Describe a Person), the idiom ‘be the spitting image of somebody’ is perfect for describing resemblance with flair. Using various IELTS vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, naturally can demonstrate lexical resource, which is one of the key scoring criteria.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Example:

• Q: Do you resemble anyone in your family?

• A: Absolutely! I’m the spitting image of my father - same height, same nose, and people say we even walk the same way.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card: Describe a person in your family whom you admire):

"Not only is he intelligent and kind-hearted, but he’s also the spitting image of our grandfather. Their facial features are almost identical—it’s like seeing a younger version of him again."

Using this idiom naturally in Part 2 shows storytelling ability and advanced vocabulary usage.

Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom: Practice Exercises

To help you learn how to properly use the idiom 'be the spitting image of somebody', the following exercises will guide you through its meaning and show you how to apply it.

1 My cousin looks exactly like his father.

2 She resembles the queen in that portrait perfectly.

3 He is nearly identical to the footballer Ronaldo.

4 That statue is so realistic—it really looks like the soldier.

1 She is the spitting image of her mum, but her personality is all her own.

2 He is not just like his dad; he is his dad’s spitting image.

3 You should have seen her face! The spitting image of that painting in the gallery.

A Two coworkers wear similar uniforms.

B A daughter has the same voice, facial features, and gestures as her mother.

C A child copies their friend’s drawing.

D Identical twins have different hobbies and styles.

Be the Spitting Image of Somebody Idiom: Answer Keys for Practice Exercises

Now, take a look at the answer key provided below and compare your responses to it to check and see how well you understand the meaning of the idiom ‘be the spitting image of somebody.’ 

Exercise A

1 My cousin is the spitting image of his father.

2 She’s the spitting image of the queen in that portrait.

3 He’s the spitting image of Ronaldo.

4 That statue is the spitting image of the soldier.

Exercise B

1 She looks exactly like her mother, but her character is different.

2 The speaker is emphasizing the extreme likeness between the son and his father.

3 The speaker is surprised at how closely the woman’s face resembled the artwork.

Exercise C 

B A daughter having the same voice, facial features, and gestures strongly matches the meaning of “spitting image,” which refers to striking physical resemblance.

To conclude, using idioms like ‘be the spitting image of someone’ not only enhances vocabulary but also demonstrates cultural fluency, a key factor in scoring a speaking band score of 7 and above. This idiom is particularly powerful in personal storytelling, family discussions, or visual descriptions. So, next time you describe someone who shares a striking resemblance to another while practicing the latest IELTS Speaking topics with Part 2 & 3 questions, do not settle for ‘looks like’, say they are the spitting image and bring your language to life!

Useful Links:

• Home away from Home Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• Crack the Books - Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
• In the Prime of Life - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• Time after Time - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• Understanding Fluency and Coherence in IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9 
• Practical Tips on How to Improve Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam