Phrases for two methods that are different but both can solve the same task?












5















I want to describe a type of pairs , that method1 and method2 have different implementations/settings, but both can be used to solve the same task.



My questions are:




  1. Is there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?

  2. How can I describe the relations of method1 and method2? Can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"?


Update:
method1 and method2 are not necessarily of the same quality. Each method may have its own pros and cons. For example, method1 might be easier to implement but slower; method2 might be hard to implement but faster.










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  • 1





    Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

    – A R
    2 days ago













  • 1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

    – Mazura
    2 days ago











  • Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

    – Kat
    yesterday











  • @Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

    – Ida
    yesterday
















5















I want to describe a type of pairs , that method1 and method2 have different implementations/settings, but both can be used to solve the same task.



My questions are:




  1. Is there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?

  2. How can I describe the relations of method1 and method2? Can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"?


Update:
method1 and method2 are not necessarily of the same quality. Each method may have its own pros and cons. For example, method1 might be easier to implement but slower; method2 might be hard to implement but faster.










share|improve this question




















  • 1





    Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

    – A R
    2 days ago













  • 1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

    – Mazura
    2 days ago











  • Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

    – Kat
    yesterday











  • @Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

    – Ida
    yesterday














5












5








5


1






I want to describe a type of pairs , that method1 and method2 have different implementations/settings, but both can be used to solve the same task.



My questions are:




  1. Is there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?

  2. How can I describe the relations of method1 and method2? Can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"?


Update:
method1 and method2 are not necessarily of the same quality. Each method may have its own pros and cons. For example, method1 might be easier to implement but slower; method2 might be hard to implement but faster.










share|improve this question
















I want to describe a type of pairs , that method1 and method2 have different implementations/settings, but both can be used to solve the same task.



My questions are:




  1. Is there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?

  2. How can I describe the relations of method1 and method2? Can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"?


Update:
method1 and method2 are not necessarily of the same quality. Each method may have its own pros and cons. For example, method1 might be easier to implement but slower; method2 might be hard to implement but faster.







phrase-requests expression-requests






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edited yesterday







Ida

















asked 2 days ago









IdaIda

17117




17117








  • 1





    Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

    – A R
    2 days ago













  • 1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

    – Mazura
    2 days ago











  • Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

    – Kat
    yesterday











  • @Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

    – Ida
    yesterday














  • 1





    Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

    – A R
    2 days ago













  • 1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

    – Mazura
    2 days ago











  • Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

    – Kat
    yesterday











  • @Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

    – Ida
    yesterday








1




1





Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

– A R
2 days ago







Method1 and 2 are both 'solutions' to the problem. You could call them 'alternatives' - method1 is method2's alternate solution.

– A R
2 days ago















1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

– Mazura
2 days ago





1: ("either would) suffice". Both procedures will arrive with a (2:) 'congruent solution'.

– Mazura
2 days ago













Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

– Kat
yesterday





Are the two solutions of the same quality or not?

– Kat
yesterday













@Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

– Ida
yesterday





@Kat They may not. Please see my updated question.

– Ida
yesterday










10 Answers
10






active

oldest

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21














The word "alternative" would work here. It's pretty versatile, so it should cover your context. It can be used no matter the level of formality you want and can be used to describe a wide variety of things. Here are some examples:





  • We present two quicksort alternatives for cache optimizations which work well on both balanced and unbalanced data sets.
    Improving Memory Performance of Sorting
    Algorithms




  • Is ReactOS a viable Windows alternative? Taking the OS for a test drive




  • The preferred alternative to this method is orElseThrow().
    OptionalLong (Java SE 11 & JDK 11) - Oracle Docs




  • Our selection actually contains more than 20 libraries, as some of them are alternatives to each other and solve the same problem.
    Top 20 Python libraries for data science in 2018








share|improve this answer


























  • Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

    – Lawrence
    2 days ago



















10














I would say that method1 is method2's equivalent:




A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.




https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/equivalent






share|improve this answer










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Hlynur Davíð Hlynsson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

    – KlaymenDK
    2 days ago



















9














The term "functionally equivalent" springs to mind.



e.g.
The methods are functionally equivalent.
or
A Functional equivalence exists between method1 and method2.






share|improve this answer








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    4














    It seems to me that what is salient isn't a property of a method (viz that it can solve a task that another method can solve), but rather a property of a task (that there are two methods that solve it). There's the phrase "there's more than one way to skin a cat".






    share|improve this answer
























    • Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

      – Ida
      2 days ago











    • Method1 is Method2's alternative.

      – Tushar Raj
      2 days ago



















    4














    There's more than one way to skin a cat.



    I think this is more appropriate as it more explicitly relates to processes for achieving something instead of a more abstract comparison.



    Definition:




    There are many methods one may employ in achieving one's ends.




    Used like so:




    We can go with method A if you like but there is more than one way to skin a cat.







    share|improve this answer





















    • 1





      Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

      – Peter A. Schneider
      2 days ago













    • This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

      – tmgr
      2 days ago











    • @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

      – JonM
      2 days ago











    • You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

      – tmgr
      2 days ago



















    3














    All roads lead to Rome:




    As a proverb, it refers to the fact that many routes can lead to a given result.







    share|improve this answer































      2














      Another metaphorical idiom would be "That's six of one, half a dozen of the other" — i.e. it doesn't matter which, they are equivalent.



      This idiom cannot be used to describe one method in relation to the other; I like the modification of the cat skinning metaphor suggested by JonM for that: "Method B is just another way to skin this cat", or similar.






      share|improve this answer


























      • This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

        – tmgr
        2 days ago








      • 1





        @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

        – Peter A. Schneider
        2 days ago











      • I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

        – tmgr
        2 days ago






      • 1





        @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

        – Peter A. Schneider
        2 days ago













      • Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

        – tmgr
        2 days ago



















      1














      If both methods for solving the problem are equally good, regarding the choice between them you could say:



      It's as broad as it's long.



      Macmillan says this expression is




      used for saying that you cannot choose between two things or actions because they are equal




      Macmillan also words the phrase slightly differently than I know it: It's as broad as it is long. It also lists the phrase as British and spoken.



      The spoken is important. This phrase is definitely conversational and not technical: you wouldn't write it in a paper. Hence, this is really only an answer to your first question: [Are] there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?



      I always took it's as broad as it's long to suggest a piece of wood that could be sat on either side: it wouldn't matter which, as it is square. That may well not be its actual origin, but it does express the equilateral geometry of the metaphor of the phrase.



      With it's as broad as it's long, the essence is that it would make absolutely no difference if you went about solving the problem one way or the other, but the choice must between two equivalent options. (You could try it's as broad as it's long as it's high for three interchangeable alternatives, but at that point you've gone off piste and you're on your own.)



      (Personally, I think the idea of exact equivalence might be more elegantly expressed by: it's as broad as it's wide. However, I couldn't recommend that as an option!)






      share|improve this answer

































        0














        Such methods are two sides of the same coin:




        Definition
        To be two things that seem disparate but are actually related.




        Usage instance:




        "He gave me two methods for solving a problem, which are two sides of the same coin."







        share|improve this answer



















        • 3





          This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

          – Peter A. Schneider
          2 days ago





















        0














        I would call the two methods coequal.




        Definition
        Equal with another or each other in rank, ability, extent, etc.




        Usage example:




        Methods 1 and 2 are coequal in their ability to handle the task.







        share|improve this answer























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          10 Answers
          10






          active

          oldest

          votes








          10 Answers
          10






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes









          21














          The word "alternative" would work here. It's pretty versatile, so it should cover your context. It can be used no matter the level of formality you want and can be used to describe a wide variety of things. Here are some examples:





          • We present two quicksort alternatives for cache optimizations which work well on both balanced and unbalanced data sets.
            Improving Memory Performance of Sorting
            Algorithms




          • Is ReactOS a viable Windows alternative? Taking the OS for a test drive




          • The preferred alternative to this method is orElseThrow().
            OptionalLong (Java SE 11 & JDK 11) - Oracle Docs




          • Our selection actually contains more than 20 libraries, as some of them are alternatives to each other and solve the same problem.
            Top 20 Python libraries for data science in 2018








          share|improve this answer


























          • Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

            – Lawrence
            2 days ago
















          21














          The word "alternative" would work here. It's pretty versatile, so it should cover your context. It can be used no matter the level of formality you want and can be used to describe a wide variety of things. Here are some examples:





          • We present two quicksort alternatives for cache optimizations which work well on both balanced and unbalanced data sets.
            Improving Memory Performance of Sorting
            Algorithms




          • Is ReactOS a viable Windows alternative? Taking the OS for a test drive




          • The preferred alternative to this method is orElseThrow().
            OptionalLong (Java SE 11 & JDK 11) - Oracle Docs




          • Our selection actually contains more than 20 libraries, as some of them are alternatives to each other and solve the same problem.
            Top 20 Python libraries for data science in 2018








          share|improve this answer


























          • Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

            – Lawrence
            2 days ago














          21












          21








          21







          The word "alternative" would work here. It's pretty versatile, so it should cover your context. It can be used no matter the level of formality you want and can be used to describe a wide variety of things. Here are some examples:





          • We present two quicksort alternatives for cache optimizations which work well on both balanced and unbalanced data sets.
            Improving Memory Performance of Sorting
            Algorithms




          • Is ReactOS a viable Windows alternative? Taking the OS for a test drive




          • The preferred alternative to this method is orElseThrow().
            OptionalLong (Java SE 11 & JDK 11) - Oracle Docs




          • Our selection actually contains more than 20 libraries, as some of them are alternatives to each other and solve the same problem.
            Top 20 Python libraries for data science in 2018








          share|improve this answer















          The word "alternative" would work here. It's pretty versatile, so it should cover your context. It can be used no matter the level of formality you want and can be used to describe a wide variety of things. Here are some examples:





          • We present two quicksort alternatives for cache optimizations which work well on both balanced and unbalanced data sets.
            Improving Memory Performance of Sorting
            Algorithms




          • Is ReactOS a viable Windows alternative? Taking the OS for a test drive




          • The preferred alternative to this method is orElseThrow().
            OptionalLong (Java SE 11 & JDK 11) - Oracle Docs




          • Our selection actually contains more than 20 libraries, as some of them are alternatives to each other and solve the same problem.
            Top 20 Python libraries for data science in 2018









          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 2 days ago

























          answered 2 days ago









          LaurelLaurel

          31.6k660112




          31.6k660112













          • Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

            – Lawrence
            2 days ago



















          • Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

            – Lawrence
            2 days ago

















          Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

          – Lawrence
          2 days ago





          Nice. Answers both sub-questions with the same word. +1

          – Lawrence
          2 days ago













          10














          I would say that method1 is method2's equivalent:




          A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.




          https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/equivalent






          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Hlynur Davíð Hlynsson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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          • I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

            – KlaymenDK
            2 days ago
















          10














          I would say that method1 is method2's equivalent:




          A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.




          https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/equivalent






          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Hlynur Davíð Hlynsson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.





















          • I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

            – KlaymenDK
            2 days ago














          10












          10








          10







          I would say that method1 is method2's equivalent:




          A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.




          https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/equivalent






          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Hlynur Davíð Hlynsson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.










          I would say that method1 is method2's equivalent:




          A person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.




          https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/equivalent







          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Hlynur Davíð Hlynsson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 2 days ago









          jimm101

          7,36182139




          7,36182139






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          answered 2 days ago









          Hlynur Davíð HlynssonHlynur Davíð Hlynsson

          1012




          1012




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          New contributor





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          • I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

            – KlaymenDK
            2 days ago



















          • I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

            – KlaymenDK
            2 days ago

















          I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

          – KlaymenDK
          2 days ago





          I think this is better than @Laurel's "alternative" because with "equivalent" there is no insinuation of the methods being superior/inferior to one another.

          – KlaymenDK
          2 days ago











          9














          The term "functionally equivalent" springs to mind.



          e.g.
          The methods are functionally equivalent.
          or
          A Functional equivalence exists between method1 and method2.






          share|improve this answer








          New contributor




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            9














            The term "functionally equivalent" springs to mind.



            e.g.
            The methods are functionally equivalent.
            or
            A Functional equivalence exists between method1 and method2.






            share|improve this answer








            New contributor




            BigAl_LBL is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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              9












              9








              9







              The term "functionally equivalent" springs to mind.



              e.g.
              The methods are functionally equivalent.
              or
              A Functional equivalence exists between method1 and method2.






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              BigAl_LBL is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.










              The term "functionally equivalent" springs to mind.



              e.g.
              The methods are functionally equivalent.
              or
              A Functional equivalence exists between method1 and method2.







              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              BigAl_LBL is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.









              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer






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              answered 2 days ago









              BigAl_LBLBigAl_LBL

              911




              911




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              New contributor





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                  4














                  It seems to me that what is salient isn't a property of a method (viz that it can solve a task that another method can solve), but rather a property of a task (that there are two methods that solve it). There's the phrase "there's more than one way to skin a cat".






                  share|improve this answer
























                  • Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                    – Ida
                    2 days ago











                  • Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                    – Tushar Raj
                    2 days ago
















                  4














                  It seems to me that what is salient isn't a property of a method (viz that it can solve a task that another method can solve), but rather a property of a task (that there are two methods that solve it). There's the phrase "there's more than one way to skin a cat".






                  share|improve this answer
























                  • Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                    – Ida
                    2 days ago











                  • Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                    – Tushar Raj
                    2 days ago














                  4












                  4








                  4







                  It seems to me that what is salient isn't a property of a method (viz that it can solve a task that another method can solve), but rather a property of a task (that there are two methods that solve it). There's the phrase "there's more than one way to skin a cat".






                  share|improve this answer













                  It seems to me that what is salient isn't a property of a method (viz that it can solve a task that another method can solve), but rather a property of a task (that there are two methods that solve it). There's the phrase "there's more than one way to skin a cat".







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 2 days ago









                  Rosie FRosie F

                  60726




                  60726













                  • Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                    – Ida
                    2 days ago











                  • Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                    – Tushar Raj
                    2 days ago



















                  • Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                    – Ida
                    2 days ago











                  • Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                    – Tushar Raj
                    2 days ago

















                  Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                  – Ida
                  2 days ago





                  Thanks! In this context, can I say "method1 is method2's counterpart/peer"? (see my updated question)

                  – Ida
                  2 days ago













                  Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                  – Tushar Raj
                  2 days ago





                  Method1 is Method2's alternative.

                  – Tushar Raj
                  2 days ago











                  4














                  There's more than one way to skin a cat.



                  I think this is more appropriate as it more explicitly relates to processes for achieving something instead of a more abstract comparison.



                  Definition:




                  There are many methods one may employ in achieving one's ends.




                  Used like so:




                  We can go with method A if you like but there is more than one way to skin a cat.







                  share|improve this answer





















                  • 1





                    Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                    – Peter A. Schneider
                    2 days ago













                  • This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago











                  • @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                    – JonM
                    2 days ago











                  • You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago
















                  4














                  There's more than one way to skin a cat.



                  I think this is more appropriate as it more explicitly relates to processes for achieving something instead of a more abstract comparison.



                  Definition:




                  There are many methods one may employ in achieving one's ends.




                  Used like so:




                  We can go with method A if you like but there is more than one way to skin a cat.







                  share|improve this answer





















                  • 1





                    Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                    – Peter A. Schneider
                    2 days ago













                  • This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago











                  • @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                    – JonM
                    2 days ago











                  • You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago














                  4












                  4








                  4







                  There's more than one way to skin a cat.



                  I think this is more appropriate as it more explicitly relates to processes for achieving something instead of a more abstract comparison.



                  Definition:




                  There are many methods one may employ in achieving one's ends.




                  Used like so:




                  We can go with method A if you like but there is more than one way to skin a cat.







                  share|improve this answer















                  There's more than one way to skin a cat.



                  I think this is more appropriate as it more explicitly relates to processes for achieving something instead of a more abstract comparison.



                  Definition:




                  There are many methods one may employ in achieving one's ends.




                  Used like so:




                  We can go with method A if you like but there is more than one way to skin a cat.








                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited 2 days ago

























                  answered 2 days ago









                  JonMJonM

                  1515




                  1515








                  • 1





                    Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                    – Peter A. Schneider
                    2 days ago













                  • This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago











                  • @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                    – JonM
                    2 days ago











                  • You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago














                  • 1





                    Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                    – Peter A. Schneider
                    2 days ago













                  • This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago











                  • @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                    – JonM
                    2 days ago











                  • You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                    – tmgr
                    2 days ago








                  1




                  1





                  Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                  – Peter A. Schneider
                  2 days ago







                  Or "method B is just another way to skin the cat" ...

                  – Peter A. Schneider
                  2 days ago















                  This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                  – tmgr
                  2 days ago





                  This is usually said after one method fails (and is much favoured by fictional villains). In any case, I'm not sure this phrase is actually applicable to expressing the relationship between two equally good choices and the example sentence you give seems to agree.

                  – tmgr
                  2 days ago













                  @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                  – JonM
                  2 days ago





                  @tmgr I've updated the usage example. All the definitions of this phrase I can find make no mention of failure explicitly.

                  – JonM
                  2 days ago













                  You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                  – tmgr
                  2 days ago





                  You're right - and I agree - I don't think failure is a necessary prelude to the phrase.

                  – tmgr
                  2 days ago











                  3














                  All roads lead to Rome:




                  As a proverb, it refers to the fact that many routes can lead to a given result.







                  share|improve this answer




























                    3














                    All roads lead to Rome:




                    As a proverb, it refers to the fact that many routes can lead to a given result.







                    share|improve this answer


























                      3












                      3








                      3







                      All roads lead to Rome:




                      As a proverb, it refers to the fact that many routes can lead to a given result.







                      share|improve this answer













                      All roads lead to Rome:




                      As a proverb, it refers to the fact that many routes can lead to a given result.








                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered 2 days ago









                      ukemiukemi

                      37026




                      37026























                          2














                          Another metaphorical idiom would be "That's six of one, half a dozen of the other" — i.e. it doesn't matter which, they are equivalent.



                          This idiom cannot be used to describe one method in relation to the other; I like the modification of the cat skinning metaphor suggested by JonM for that: "Method B is just another way to skin this cat", or similar.






                          share|improve this answer


























                          • This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago








                          • 1





                            @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago











                          • I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago






                          • 1





                            @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago













                          • Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago
















                          2














                          Another metaphorical idiom would be "That's six of one, half a dozen of the other" — i.e. it doesn't matter which, they are equivalent.



                          This idiom cannot be used to describe one method in relation to the other; I like the modification of the cat skinning metaphor suggested by JonM for that: "Method B is just another way to skin this cat", or similar.






                          share|improve this answer


























                          • This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago








                          • 1





                            @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago











                          • I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago






                          • 1





                            @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago













                          • Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago














                          2












                          2








                          2







                          Another metaphorical idiom would be "That's six of one, half a dozen of the other" — i.e. it doesn't matter which, they are equivalent.



                          This idiom cannot be used to describe one method in relation to the other; I like the modification of the cat skinning metaphor suggested by JonM for that: "Method B is just another way to skin this cat", or similar.






                          share|improve this answer















                          Another metaphorical idiom would be "That's six of one, half a dozen of the other" — i.e. it doesn't matter which, they are equivalent.



                          This idiom cannot be used to describe one method in relation to the other; I like the modification of the cat skinning metaphor suggested by JonM for that: "Method B is just another way to skin this cat", or similar.







                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited 2 days ago

























                          answered 2 days ago









                          Peter A. SchneiderPeter A. Schneider

                          1,655515




                          1,655515













                          • This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago








                          • 1





                            @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago











                          • I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago






                          • 1





                            @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago













                          • Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago



















                          • This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago








                          • 1





                            @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago











                          • I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago






                          • 1





                            @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                            – Peter A. Schneider
                            2 days ago













                          • Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                            – tmgr
                            2 days ago

















                          This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago







                          This is far and away the most common phrase I'd hear in this context. You often hear Six of one... with the rest of the phrase implied, much as with Plus ça change...

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago






                          1




                          1





                          @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                          – Peter A. Schneider
                          2 days ago





                          @tmgr You are welcome to upvote if you think it's a good answer ;-).

                          – Peter A. Schneider
                          2 days ago













                          I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago





                          I definitely would... if it were a touch more expansive as an answer.

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago




                          1




                          1





                          @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                          – Peter A. Schneider
                          2 days ago







                          @tmgr I am unsure how I could improve it. I have submitted my 2 cents, provided a link and given my explanation. Any suggestions? Btw, feel free to edit it yourself.

                          – Peter A. Schneider
                          2 days ago















                          Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago





                          Well, OP has two questions. This is a great answer to the first question, not so much the second (but still very much a worthwhile answer). You could explain the phrase, talk about the context in which it is used and its usage (like the bit I mentioned about shortening), maybe even research its origin or first occurrence. I'd be curious! Plus you could include the relevant part of the definition you link to as an inline quote, to save readers clicking through. I won't be editing it, though I'll check back and upvote if you do!

                          – tmgr
                          2 days ago











                          1














                          If both methods for solving the problem are equally good, regarding the choice between them you could say:



                          It's as broad as it's long.



                          Macmillan says this expression is




                          used for saying that you cannot choose between two things or actions because they are equal




                          Macmillan also words the phrase slightly differently than I know it: It's as broad as it is long. It also lists the phrase as British and spoken.



                          The spoken is important. This phrase is definitely conversational and not technical: you wouldn't write it in a paper. Hence, this is really only an answer to your first question: [Are] there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?



                          I always took it's as broad as it's long to suggest a piece of wood that could be sat on either side: it wouldn't matter which, as it is square. That may well not be its actual origin, but it does express the equilateral geometry of the metaphor of the phrase.



                          With it's as broad as it's long, the essence is that it would make absolutely no difference if you went about solving the problem one way or the other, but the choice must between two equivalent options. (You could try it's as broad as it's long as it's high for three interchangeable alternatives, but at that point you've gone off piste and you're on your own.)



                          (Personally, I think the idea of exact equivalence might be more elegantly expressed by: it's as broad as it's wide. However, I couldn't recommend that as an option!)






                          share|improve this answer






























                            1














                            If both methods for solving the problem are equally good, regarding the choice between them you could say:



                            It's as broad as it's long.



                            Macmillan says this expression is




                            used for saying that you cannot choose between two things or actions because they are equal




                            Macmillan also words the phrase slightly differently than I know it: It's as broad as it is long. It also lists the phrase as British and spoken.



                            The spoken is important. This phrase is definitely conversational and not technical: you wouldn't write it in a paper. Hence, this is really only an answer to your first question: [Are] there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?



                            I always took it's as broad as it's long to suggest a piece of wood that could be sat on either side: it wouldn't matter which, as it is square. That may well not be its actual origin, but it does express the equilateral geometry of the metaphor of the phrase.



                            With it's as broad as it's long, the essence is that it would make absolutely no difference if you went about solving the problem one way or the other, but the choice must between two equivalent options. (You could try it's as broad as it's long as it's high for three interchangeable alternatives, but at that point you've gone off piste and you're on your own.)



                            (Personally, I think the idea of exact equivalence might be more elegantly expressed by: it's as broad as it's wide. However, I couldn't recommend that as an option!)






                            share|improve this answer




























                              1












                              1








                              1







                              If both methods for solving the problem are equally good, regarding the choice between them you could say:



                              It's as broad as it's long.



                              Macmillan says this expression is




                              used for saying that you cannot choose between two things or actions because they are equal




                              Macmillan also words the phrase slightly differently than I know it: It's as broad as it is long. It also lists the phrase as British and spoken.



                              The spoken is important. This phrase is definitely conversational and not technical: you wouldn't write it in a paper. Hence, this is really only an answer to your first question: [Are] there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?



                              I always took it's as broad as it's long to suggest a piece of wood that could be sat on either side: it wouldn't matter which, as it is square. That may well not be its actual origin, but it does express the equilateral geometry of the metaphor of the phrase.



                              With it's as broad as it's long, the essence is that it would make absolutely no difference if you went about solving the problem one way or the other, but the choice must between two equivalent options. (You could try it's as broad as it's long as it's high for three interchangeable alternatives, but at that point you've gone off piste and you're on your own.)



                              (Personally, I think the idea of exact equivalence might be more elegantly expressed by: it's as broad as it's wide. However, I couldn't recommend that as an option!)






                              share|improve this answer















                              If both methods for solving the problem are equally good, regarding the choice between them you could say:



                              It's as broad as it's long.



                              Macmillan says this expression is




                              used for saying that you cannot choose between two things or actions because they are equal




                              Macmillan also words the phrase slightly differently than I know it: It's as broad as it is long. It also lists the phrase as British and spoken.



                              The spoken is important. This phrase is definitely conversational and not technical: you wouldn't write it in a paper. Hence, this is really only an answer to your first question: [Are] there any terms/phrases or succinct ways to describe such pairs of methods?



                              I always took it's as broad as it's long to suggest a piece of wood that could be sat on either side: it wouldn't matter which, as it is square. That may well not be its actual origin, but it does express the equilateral geometry of the metaphor of the phrase.



                              With it's as broad as it's long, the essence is that it would make absolutely no difference if you went about solving the problem one way or the other, but the choice must between two equivalent options. (You could try it's as broad as it's long as it's high for three interchangeable alternatives, but at that point you've gone off piste and you're on your own.)



                              (Personally, I think the idea of exact equivalence might be more elegantly expressed by: it's as broad as it's wide. However, I couldn't recommend that as an option!)







                              share|improve this answer














                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer








                              edited 2 days ago

























                              answered 2 days ago









                              tmgrtmgr

                              3,18911026




                              3,18911026























                                  0














                                  Such methods are two sides of the same coin:




                                  Definition
                                  To be two things that seem disparate but are actually related.




                                  Usage instance:




                                  "He gave me two methods for solving a problem, which are two sides of the same coin."







                                  share|improve this answer



















                                  • 3





                                    This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                    – Peter A. Schneider
                                    2 days ago


















                                  0














                                  Such methods are two sides of the same coin:




                                  Definition
                                  To be two things that seem disparate but are actually related.




                                  Usage instance:




                                  "He gave me two methods for solving a problem, which are two sides of the same coin."







                                  share|improve this answer



















                                  • 3





                                    This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                    – Peter A. Schneider
                                    2 days ago
















                                  0












                                  0








                                  0







                                  Such methods are two sides of the same coin:




                                  Definition
                                  To be two things that seem disparate but are actually related.




                                  Usage instance:




                                  "He gave me two methods for solving a problem, which are two sides of the same coin."







                                  share|improve this answer













                                  Such methods are two sides of the same coin:




                                  Definition
                                  To be two things that seem disparate but are actually related.




                                  Usage instance:




                                  "He gave me two methods for solving a problem, which are two sides of the same coin."








                                  share|improve this answer












                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer










                                  answered 2 days ago









                                  AhmedAhmed

                                  3,64912052




                                  3,64912052








                                  • 3





                                    This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                    – Peter A. Schneider
                                    2 days ago
















                                  • 3





                                    This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                    – Peter A. Schneider
                                    2 days ago










                                  3




                                  3





                                  This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                  – Peter A. Schneider
                                  2 days ago







                                  This would describe two methods which are actually the same even if they don't look like it at first sight. There is no suggestion of that in the OP: The two methods may be completely different ways to solve a given task. (E.g. you could repossess some stolen item or go to court. That's not two sides of the same coin but solves the given task.) Compare that to either offering a reward to your child for doing a chore or, alternatively, threatening with punishment; these could be considered two sides of the same coin (namely bribery).

                                  – Peter A. Schneider
                                  2 days ago













                                  0














                                  I would call the two methods coequal.




                                  Definition
                                  Equal with another or each other in rank, ability, extent, etc.




                                  Usage example:




                                  Methods 1 and 2 are coequal in their ability to handle the task.







                                  share|improve this answer




























                                    0














                                    I would call the two methods coequal.




                                    Definition
                                    Equal with another or each other in rank, ability, extent, etc.




                                    Usage example:




                                    Methods 1 and 2 are coequal in their ability to handle the task.







                                    share|improve this answer


























                                      0












                                      0








                                      0







                                      I would call the two methods coequal.




                                      Definition
                                      Equal with another or each other in rank, ability, extent, etc.




                                      Usage example:




                                      Methods 1 and 2 are coequal in their ability to handle the task.







                                      share|improve this answer













                                      I would call the two methods coequal.




                                      Definition
                                      Equal with another or each other in rank, ability, extent, etc.




                                      Usage example:




                                      Methods 1 and 2 are coequal in their ability to handle the task.








                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered 2 days ago









                                      pjspjs

                                      1213




                                      1213






























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