Grammar fix
be a chip off the old block
resemble a parent
To be very similar to a parent in character, abilities, or behaviour.
How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Tom’s a chip off the old block—he’s just as good at fixing things as his dad.
My younger brother is a chip off the old block because he has our father’s patience and practical skills.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He’s a chip of the old block.
Say: He’s a chip off the old block.
The fixed idiom uses 'off', not 'of'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Be very like a parent
What's alikeCharacterLooks
be a chip off the old blockYou're here · Informal: resemble a parent, especially in character or abilities.
take afterResemble an older relative in appearance, character, or behaviour.be the spitting image of someoneLook extremely similar to someone, often a parent.