Chalk and cheese
phrase
Two things or people that are completely different from each other.
My brother and I are like chalk and cheese, we just have nothing in common.
Often appears as...
- like chalk and cheese
- as different as chalk and cheese
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Two things or people that are completely different from each other.
My brother and I are like chalk and cheese, we just have nothing in common.
Often appears as...
- like chalk and cheese
- as different as chalk and cheese
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
Used mostly in British English, less common in other English-speaking regions.
In American English, they might say 'apples and oranges' where we say 'chalk and cheese.'
Pro Tip 2/3Usually Negative
Often points out incompatibility or a striking difference that's not viewed positively.
Trying to pair those two together was futile; they're like chalk and cheese.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Contrast
Emphasizes extreme differences, more than just a simple contrast.
It's not just that their opinions differ - their entire worldviews are chalk and cheese.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
Used mostly in British English, less common in other English-speaking regions.
In American English, they might say 'apples and oranges' where we say 'chalk and cheese.'
Pro Tip 2/3Usually Negative
Often points out incompatibility or a striking difference that's not viewed positively.
Trying to pair those two together was futile; they're like chalk and cheese.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Contrast
Emphasizes extreme differences, more than just a simple contrast.
It's not just that their opinions differ - their entire worldviews are chalk and cheese.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
Used mostly in British English, less common in other English-speaking regions.
In American English, they might say 'apples and oranges' where we say 'chalk and cheese.'
Pro Tip 2/3Usually Negative
Often points out incompatibility or a striking difference that's not viewed positively.
Trying to pair those two together was futile; they're like chalk and cheese.
Pro Tip 3/3Strong Contrast
Emphasizes extreme differences, more than just a simple contrast.
It's not just that their opinions differ - their entire worldviews are chalk and cheese.
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