Chalk and cheese

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "chalk and cheese" - Two things or people that are completely different from each other

Often appears as...

  • like chalk and cheese
  • as different as chalk and cheese

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "chalk and cheese"
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British Origin

Used mostly in British English, less common in other English-speaking regions.

Illustration for British Origin
In American English, they might say 'apples and oranges' where we say 'chalk and cheese.'
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Usually Negative

Often points out incompatibility or a striking difference that's not viewed positively.

Illustration for Usually Negative
Trying to pair those two together was futile; they're like chalk and cheese.
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Strong Contrast

Emphasizes extreme differences, more than just a simple contrast.

Illustration for Strong Contrast
It's not just that their opinions differ - their entire worldviews are chalk and cheese.
Visual representation of the word "Chalk and cheese"

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