Business English from All Ears English BE 509: What Does Fruit Have to Do with Critical Thinking at Work?
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Dec 28, 2025 Lindsay and Michelle dive into the intriguing connection between fruit and critical thinking. They explore the idiom 'apples and oranges', highlighting its meaning of unfair comparisons. Listeners are treated to real-world work scenarios like marketing spend and role definitions where this idiom applies. Alternative phrases are discussed to enhance understanding. A fun role-play debate over social media versus in-person events showcases practical usage. The hosts stress the importance of this idiom in fostering skepticism and deeper analysis in the workplace.
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Use The Phrase To Call Out Bad Comparisons
- The phrase "apples and oranges" flags invalid or unfair comparisons in discussions and media.
- Using it signals scepticism and deeper critical thinking about presented statistics or arguments.
Explain Why A Comparison Fails
- Do point out when two things can't be fairly compared, such as marketing spend versus uniform costs.
- Explain why the items differ to help colleagues see the nuance and avoid misleading conclusions.
Travel Examples Make The Point
- Michelle contrasts her honeymoon in India with a family cruise as "apples and oranges" to show personal non-comparability.
- She uses the example to illustrate how context (purpose, company) changes how we evaluate experiences.