like a distant cousin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a distant cousin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or similarity that is not very close or direct, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The two theories are related, but they are like distant cousins in the realm of scientific thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Musically, it's like a distant cousin of "Seven Spanish Angels".

The New York Times

Indeed, so strongly did he portray this character that he seemed almost like a distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln.

The Guardian

Soft, thin, sunset-hued slices of the root vegetable, garnished with pickle bits reminiscent of capers, taste like a distant cousin of smoked salmon.

The New Yorker

Like a distant cousin to The Big Lebowski, Terriers is all about the detour, even if its darker moments – Britt's struggle with his violent side, Hank's loneliness – recalls the hardboiled classics of Charles Willeford.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That dispassionate Dr. Dean may seem like a distant cousin to the finger-jabbing populist who has emerged on the presidential campaign trail and who alarmed many viewers Monday night with his howling concession speech in Iowa.

The New York Times

The sound, as heard on the minute-long The Wind Blows It Away, performed by Nguyễn Quốc Hùng, sounds like a distant cousin of a regular vocal line, as if lyrics are being transmitted through a theremin.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the matter of the grammatical relevance of word order, the absence of case inflections in nouns, and the use of verbal auxiliaries instead of single word tense forms, French is more like English, a distant cousin within the Indo-European family, than it is like Latin, its immediate progenitor (compare French j'ai donné, English I have given, Latin dedī).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the regulars was Scottie Lanahan Smith, F. Scott and Zelda's daughter (and like her father, a distant cousin of the shop's namesake, Francis Scott Key of "Star Spangled Banner" fame).

Huffington Post

It almost feels like Hershe Heartshe is a distant cousin of Jerri Blank.

Huffington Post

How come we didn't realize just how much we would like this city that reminded us of a distant cousin of New York City?

Huffington Post

He named a distant cousin, a gentile like his mother.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like a distant cousin", ensure the comparison is easily understandable and relevant to the context. Avoid using it in situations where a precise or direct comparison is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "like a distant cousin" when a stronger or more direct comparison is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing vague and imprecise. If the connection is direct, opt for alternatives that suggest a closer relationship, otherwise be as specific as you can to strengthen the connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a distant cousin" functions as a simile, comparing two entities to highlight a vague or indirect similarity. Ludwig examples show it describing similarities in music, flavors, and even abstract concepts, suggesting its versatility in illustrating connections that are not immediately obvious.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a distant cousin" is a simile used to express a vague or indirect similarity between two things. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various domains, primarily in News & Media. While grammatically correct and understandable, overuse can lead to vagueness. For clearer connections, consider using more direct comparisons. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, this phrase softens comparisons, implying a relationship without strong equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resembles a far relative

Emphasizes a familial resemblance, but at a great remove.

akin to a remote connection

Highlights the link or connection being not direct and somewhat tenuous.

similar to a loosely related entity

Indicates a weak or not clearly defined relationship between two things.

bears a faint resemblance

Focuses on the similarity being subtle and not immediately obvious.

shares a vague connection

Implies that there is some connection, but it is unclear or undefined.

is somewhat analogous to

Suggests a comparison or analogy, but with notable differences.

reminds one of a faint echo

Highlights a very weak or indistinct similarity, like an echo.

not unlike a peripheral acquaintance

Compares to someone known but not closely or personally.

echoes a disconnected affinity

Implies the existence of an affinity, though without a clear link.

hints at a tangential relationship

Emphasizes that the relationship is only slightly relevant or connected.

FAQs

How can I use "like a distant cousin" in a sentence?

You can use "like a distant cousin" to describe something that shares a vague or indirect similarity with something else. For example, "This new software is "like a distant cousin" to the older version, sharing some features but differing in many ways."

What can I say instead of "like a distant cousin"?

Alternatives include "resembles a far relative", "akin to a remote connection", or "similar to a loosely related entity" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "like a distant cousin"?

Use "like a distant cousin" when you want to indicate a similarity that is not strong or direct. It's suitable when the connection is more of a resemblance than a close relationship.

What's the difference between "like a distant cousin" and "similar to"?

"Similar to" implies a general resemblance, while "like a distant cousin" suggests a more tenuous and less obvious connection. The latter implies a degree of separation or indirectness in the relationship.