different between yardstick vs touchstone

English

yard +? stick

yardstick (plural yardsticks)

A measuring rod thirty-six inches (one yard) long.
(figuratively) A standard to which other measurements or comparisons are judged.
Synonyms: norm, point of reference, benchmark, ideal
- 2008 April 8, Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt, “Attacks in Baghdad spiked in March, U.S. data show”, in International Herald Tribune, 2008 April 8 edition, “Africa & Middle East” section,
  Attacks against civilians in the capital remained relatively unchanged: 69 in March from 62 in February. ¶ However, another yardstick, the number of civilian deaths tracked by the Iraqi government, shot up last month after several months of decline.

touch +? stone

touchstone (plural touchstones)

A stone used to check the quality of gold alloys by rubbing them to leave a visible trace.
(figuratively, by extension) A standard of comparison or evaluation.
- The foregoing doctrine affords us also a touchstone for the trial of spirits.

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