大同小异 dàtóng-xiǎoyì virtually the same
virtually the same; differing only on small points
How to remember 大同小异: 大 big + 同 same + 小 small + 异 different = virtually the same.
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How it is used
- Idiom: alike in the main, differing in small details - 几个方案大同小异 (jǐ ge fāng'àn dàtóng-xiǎoyì) the plans are much of a muchness.
- Says things are essentially the same with only trivial differences. Written and spoken.