Never the twain shall meet
phrase
Two things or ideas are so different that they cannot exist or be understood together.
Although they are twins, their interests are so distinct - one loves art and the other, science. Never the twain shall meet.
Often appears as...
- difference of opinion
- divergent ideas
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
Two things or ideas are so different that they cannot exist or be understood together.
Although they are twins, their interests are so distinct - one loves art and the other, science. Never the twain shall meet.
Often appears as...
- difference of opinion
- divergent ideas
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Origin
The phrase comes from a Kipling poem highlighting East and West cultures' differences.
He's from a rural background, and she's a city-dweller; never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Use
It's mostly used in spoken language to emphasize a sharp contrast.
As a minimalist, she avoids flashy cars—never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Gap
Think of it as expressing a metaphorical distance that cannot be bridged.
In terms of politics, they are on extreme ends; never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Origin
The phrase comes from a Kipling poem highlighting East and West cultures' differences.
He's from a rural background, and she's a city-dweller; never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Use
It's mostly used in spoken language to emphasize a sharp contrast.
As a minimalist, she avoids flashy cars—never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Gap
Think of it as expressing a metaphorical distance that cannot be bridged.
In terms of politics, they are on extreme ends; never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Origin
The phrase comes from a Kipling poem highlighting East and West cultures' differences.
He's from a rural background, and she's a city-dweller; never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Use
It's mostly used in spoken language to emphasize a sharp contrast.
As a minimalist, she avoids flashy cars—never the twain shall meet.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Gap
Think of it as expressing a metaphorical distance that cannot be bridged.
In terms of politics, they are on extreme ends; never the twain shall meet.
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