Be a dead ringer for somebody

Pro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Expression

Used in casual speech and writing when emphasizing a strong resemblance, not suited for formal contexts.

You won't believe it, but Jake is a dead ringer for Elvis Presley in his college photo.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's a figurative term; 'dead' and 'ringer' don't refer to 'deceased' or 'calling.'

Stage actors often have to be a dead ringer for historical figures.

Pro Tip 3/3

Visual Similarity

Focuses on physical appearance, not personality or other attributes.

At the party, I met someone who was a dead ringer for my cousin. It was uncanny!