Neither fish nor fowl

usgb
phrase

Something or someone that doesn't fit into a clear category or group.

The new car design is neither fish nor fowl - it's not quite a sedan, but not quite a sports car either.
Visual representation of "neither fish nor fowl" - Something or someone that doesn't fit into a clear category or group

Often appears as...

  • is neither fish nor fowl
  • seem neither fish nor fowl

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "neither fish nor fowl"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Meaning

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

Illustration for Metaphorical Meaning
Her music is neither fish nor fowl; it mixes genres.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hybrid Situations

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

Illustration for Hybrid Situations
This dish is neither fish nor fowl; part stew, part soup.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Literal Use

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

Illustration for Avoid Literal Use
That movie's genre is neither fish nor fowl, not fitting into a standard classification.
Visual representation of the word "Neither fish nor fowl"

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