a carbon copy

carbon copy

1. A copy of a document that is made by placing a sheet of carbon paper under the original so that the print gets transferred from the original to the sheet of paper below it. Carbon copies are largely obsolete but are still used in some cases for receipts. Could you please make a carbon copy of that invoice? I need it for my records.
2. To include additional recipients on an email message that is intended for, or directed to, another person. Often abbreviated as "cc." Please carbon copy me on that email to Janice. I want her to know I am aware of the situation.
3. A person or thing that closely resembles someone or something else in looks or attributes. Even though they were born several years apart, Darren is a carbon copy of his brother. They have the same gait, mannerisms, and hairstyle.
See also: carbon, copy
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a carbon copy

COMMON If one person or thing is a carbon copy of another, the two people or things are identical, or very similar. Hugh was a carbon copy of his father, Edward; both had the same blond hair and easy charm. The town, almost a carbon copy of Gualdo, is best known for its mineral waters. Note: A carbon copy of a document is an exact copy of it which is made using carbon paper.
See also: carbon, copy
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a ˌcarbon ˈcopy

a person or thing that is exactly or extremely like another: The recent robberies in Leeds are a carbon copy of those that have occurred in Halifax over the last few months.
A carbon copy is a copy of a document, letter, etc. made by placing carbon paper (= thin paper with a dark substance on one side) between two sheets of paper.
See also: carbon, copy
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • carbon
  • carbon copy
  • doesn't hold a candle (to someone or something)
  • awesome!
  • cut (someone) in on (something)
  • cut someone in on something
  • a short cut
  • come full circle
  • come/go full circle
  • full circle, come/go
References in periodicals archive
The NTS authorities are requested to kindly upload the list of the prescribed books and give a carbon copy of the answer sheet of the test to the candidates for their convenience.
GAT for PhD
A year ago, he shut out the A's in Game 5 of the division series, and this was almost a carbon copy. Verlander allowed two hits in eight innings, striking out 10 in Detroit's 3-0 win.
Verlander discovers power in playoff tank
Employing the It I alian - currently in i charge of the Ru R ssia national te t am - would be a carbon copy of GuG us Hiddink's ap a pointment of o 2009.
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In preparing witness fries, using electronic files will allow you to easily include e-mails where the witness would have received a carbon copy or blind copy, as opposed to being a direct recipient.
Managing metadata: attorneys need to be aware of metadata, especially in regard to electronic discovery and professional responsibility obligations
Why would I want to buy a carbon copy off he original when I can buy the real thing?
Bad things. Small packages
Just because you can't get a crowd of guys hanging on your every word doesn't make you a loser with a capital "L." You don't have to be a carbon copy of your sister to make your mark in the world.
Your Sister The Goddess