A chip of the old block.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Someone resembles a parent or another familiar predecessor in character, habits or manner. The image describes a noticeable likeness, which may be affectionate or critical depending on the trait and the speaker’s tone.

What the words are saying

A chip broken from a block shares something of the material from which it came. The expression uses that image for a person whose behaviour recalls an older family member or predecessor. It might refer to a shared sense of humour, a way of tackling problems or a less welcome habit. The likeness is the point; the saying does not establish how the trait was acquired or whether it is inherited. Nor does one resemblance determine the whole person. Used thoughtfully, it identifies a particular observed similarity while allowing the younger person a separate identity and different choices.

Everyday example

When a daughter sketches an elaborate plan for a camping trip, her aunt affectionately recalls how her father used to draw equally detailed holiday maps.

When to use it

Use it for a specific resemblance between a person and a parent or predecessor.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.