What is a distinction without a difference?

Answer by  Munawer (365)

For example: If two people are declared the valedictorian or their class at the same time, this would be called a "distinction" or achievement on their part. However, there's really no "difference" in their achievement since both are valedictorians. But, relative to other students both have a distinction with a considerable difference.

Answer by  palaeologus (564)

An attempt to distinguish two similar objects or propositions on a flawed substantive basis, such as saying that pennies are better than nickels because pennies can be spent as money.