Idiom
like chalk and cheese
Meanings
Completely different from each other; having almost nothing in common.
Definition
Used to say that two people or things are completely different from each other.
If two things are like chalk and cheese, they are very different in character, appearance, or qualities. People often use it when comparing two people, two options, or two experiences. The phrase suggests the difference is obvious and hard to miss.
Examples
- My two brothers are like chalk and cheese.
- The old version and the new version are like chalk and cheese.
- City life and village life are like chalk and cheese.
- Their teaching styles are like chalk and cheese.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say it about things that are only slightly different, but it is used for strong, obvious contrasts.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.