Neither fish nor fowl

Pro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Meaning

Understand it figuratively, not literally; it describes an unclear identity or category.

Her music is neither fish nor fowl; it mixes genres.

Pro Tip 2/3

Hybrid Situations

Use when something combines elements of different things but belongs to none.

This dish is neither fish nor fowl; part stew, part soup.

Pro Tip 3/3

Avoid Literal Use

It's not about fish or birds; it's about things that don't fit typical categories.

That movie's genre is neither fish nor fowl, not fitting into a standard classification.