Apples and Pears

Phrase / UK Slang / Cockney Rhyming Slang

A term used to describe stairs in Cockney rhyming slang, where “apples and pears” rhyme with “stairs” and is often shortened to just “apples” in conversation. This phrase is a classic example of the playful and rhythmic nature of Cockney rhyming slang, a linguistic tradition originating from East London.

Example: “I am going apples and pears.”
Means: “I am going upstairs.”

Example: “I don’t know, check the apples and pears.”
Means: “I don’t know, check the stairs.”