What does “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” mean?

"Be Like Chalk and Cheese" means that two things or people are very different from each other.

What context can I use the in?

Example

My sister and I are like chalk and cheese, we have completely different personalities.

Example

Their opinions on politics are like chalk and cheese, they never agree on anything.

Example

The two teams are like chalk and cheese, one is known for their offense while the other is known for their defense

Is “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Be Like Chalk and Cheese” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” effectively in context?

You can use "Be Like Chalk and Cheese" to describe two things or people that are very different from each other. It emphasizes the stark contrast between them. For example, if you have two friends who have completely opposite personalities, you might say, 'They are like chalk and cheese.'

1Personalities
My sister and I are like chalk and cheese, we have completely different personalities.
2Opinions
Their opinions on politics are like chalk and cheese, they never agree on anything.
3Teams
The two teams are like chalk and cheese, one is known for their offense while the other is known for their defense.

Similar phrases to “Be Like Chalk and Cheese”:

Apples and oranges

Used to compare two things that are completely different and cannot be compared

Example

Comparing their painting styles is like comparing apples and oranges.

Night and day

Used to describe two things that are completely opposite or different

Example

Their personalities are like night and day.

Oil and water

Used to describe two things or people that do not mix well together

Example

Their personalities clash, they are like oil and water.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Be Like Chalk and Cheese" is unknown.

Is “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Be Like Chalk and Cheese" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to highlight the differences between two things or people.

What tone does “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” have?

"Be Like Chalk and Cheese" conveys a tone of emphasizing contrast and highlighting differences. It's often used to describe situations where two things or people are extremely dissimilar.

Can “Be Like Chalk and Cheese” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Be Like Chalk and Cheese" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of extreme differences. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Their tastes in music are like chalk and cheese.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They are "like chalk and cheese"!' to imply extreme differences.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

poles apart
worlds apart
diametrically opposed
miles apart
polar opposites