Idiom
like chalk and cheese
Meanings
Completely different from each other; strongly contrasting.
Definition
Used to say that two people or things are completely different from each other.
If two people or things are like chalk and cheese, they are extremely different in character, quality, or style. The phrase emphasizes a strong contrast, often between two people’s personalities or two options. It is commonly used in British English but is understood widely.
Examples
- My sister and I are like chalk and cheese.
- The two job offers are like chalk and cheese in terms of workload.
- Their teaching styles are like chalk and cheese.
- The old phone and the new one are like chalk and cheese.
- He’s calm, she’s impulsive—like chalk and cheese.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.