second cousin

Related to second cousin: Third cousin

second cousin

Slightly similar or related to something else, while being noticeably different or unique. Usually followed by "to" or "of (something)." It's clear that, from design, power, and aesthetic, their new sports car is second cousin to the classic muscle cars of the 1950s.
See also: cousin, second
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

second cousin

Something that is related or similar but not quite the same, as in This beef stew is second cousin to boeuf bourguignon. This expression transfers the literal sense of second cousin-that is, the child of the first cousin of one's mother or father-a usage dating from the mid-1600s.
See also: cousin, second
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • likes of
  • likes of, the
  • break with tradition
  • a variation on the theme of (something)
  • put (one's) stamp on (something)
  • put your stamp on something
  • be a cut above
  • a cut above
  • a cut above somebody/something
  • cut above
References in periodicals archive
The murder brought the second cousin a 14-year prison term.
Gifu woman given 18-year term for killing gynecologist husband
I am Wayne's second cousin though I don't know if Mario is aware of it," she told the Daily Star.
Mario Balotelli 'bedded Wayne Rooney's cousin'
Tribute: Frederick's second cousin Julie Smallwood.
Boxing hope Frederick's life cut short
HAPPY SNAP: Paul McCartney's second cousin Sophie and husband Ian Forshaw with Mike McCartney and wife Rowena also in the frame
Keeping it in the family
A woman has confessed to paying one of her second cousins 20 million yen to arrange the murder of her gynecologist husband in Gifu, central Japan, in January, investigative sources said Thursday.
Gifu woman admits paying to kill husband+
In an INQandA interview, Drilon said he had no opportunity to talk to Mabilog regarding the accusations being hurled against him, but expressed confidence that his second cousin was not involved in drugs.
Drilon denies drug links, says no proof vs 2nd cousin Iloilo mayor
He was charged two weeks later with supporting a terrorist organisation for giving his mobile phone SIM card to a second cousin in Britain before travelling to Australia.
Tears for doctor linked to failed bombing
Her second cousin, Lindbergh Williams, said: "Come and meet your black family!"
Welcome to the family, Sharon
She grabbed me and said he was my second cousin. We had a big row and went to stay with my gran.
Just Joan: Mum says I can't see boy who is close cousin
Noel Grealish, PD TD for Galway-East, tells me he is thinking of calling in his second cousin, Martin Keown, of Arsenal FC and England fame.
Ken Murray: Our man about the House: SPORTING BID
Mum-of-two Sally Murphy, 38, Sir Paul's second cousin, who is married to Kevin, also 38, said: ``We found out in February that we were invited to Paul's wedding and have had to keep the whole thing secret ever since.
Relatives go on a marital mystery tour
Gail, aged 29, said: ''I want to raise the money because my second cousin, Michelle Davis, died from cancer when she nine.
Gail to take a flier - from 100ft
Which flamboyant pop star caused a scandal when he was found to have bigamously married his second cousin, aged 14Which playwright wrote the drama The Caretaker Which team, which was the host nation, did Brazil beat 5-2 in the 1958 World Cup final Who was Wales' top scorer in that World Cup campaign
TIME TRAVELLER: Let us take you back to 1958 : QUIZ
Her second cousin Megan was the first to get in touch.
People DETECTIVE: Lyn's flooded with replies
He would have got the 200-acre cattle farm under the terms of a will made in 1997 by his second cousin Peter Thorner.
Man loses 'promised' pounds 2m farm; COURT