kissing cousins

1. Two or more things that are closely akin or very similar. For example, They may be made by different manufacturers, but these two cars are kissing cousins. This metaphoric term alludes to a distant relative who is well known enough to be greeted with a kiss. [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

In this chapter, you describe cults and conspiracy theories as "kissing cousins," noting that America has its own favorite flavor of conspiracy theory, with three key ingredients.

From Salon

But while numerous other culinary trends have come and gone, Cal Mex has not only remained but thrived, even as skeptics mocked and dismissed it and its kissing cousins, Tex-Mex and Sur-Mex, as something inferior.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, despite being kissing cousins with cannabis, hops will not get you high, so drink away.

From Seattle Times

Such is the star power, charm, experience and good intentions of all involved, that it seems, particularly as “Born in the USA” comes crashing in, like there might be something to it—but there’s only the further entwining of politics and content creation, which are already as skeevily involved as kissing cousins.

From Slate

In a show that parsed the story of glamour after dark, he found harmony in opposition, made clashing prints into kissing cousins.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dear 
• devoted 
• familiar 
• related