chalk and cheese

chalk and cheese

A phrase used to emphasize that two people or things are very different from one another. Good luck getting those two to talk to each other—they're like chalk and cheese. My daughters are chalk and cheese these days—one loves baseball and the other loves ballet.
See also: and, chalk, cheese
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(like) ˌchalk and ˈcheese

(also as different as ˌchalk and ˈcheese) (British English, informal) very different: It’s hard to imagine that Mark and John are brothers — they’re like chalk and cheese.
See also: and, chalk, cheese
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

chalk and cheese

Two objects that although appearing to be similar are in fact different. Just as certain varieties of crumbly white cheese might at first glance resemble chalk, so for example, siblings who resemble each other might have completely different personalities. They would be said to be as different as chalk and cheese.
See also: and, chalk, cheese
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • Box and Cox
  • cling together
  • battle of the giants
  • after you, my dear Alphonse
  • come together
  • compare apples to oranges
  • at each other's throats
  • be in two places at once
  • be at each other's throats
  • hover between
References in periodicals archive
But with plenty of pace and comedy banter from the chalk and cheese pair, these bad girls are fun to watch.
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"The difference between the two uses for this building are chalk and cheese," he said.
Takeaway shop plan rejected
Mullen said: "There were a few names you would have wanted to dodge but I landed Dale and, although we are chalk and cheese, I'm happy enough.
Dan'sroom withaphew
WE LOVE COMEDY PETER KAY'S CAR SHARE (BBC1, 9.30pm) THROWN together for their daily commute thanks to the horror of a company car share scheme, John and Kayleigh are like chalk and cheese. Chalk and cheese that are trapped together in a metal box twice a day in traffic.
WE LOVE COMEDY
Chalk and cheese plans THE Grimscar Valley and St Luke's developments at Crosland Moor are as different as chalk and cheese.
Chalk and cheese plans The [...]; FEEDBACK
I think we get on so well because we're like chalk and cheese.
WHO'S LEFT FOR JAMES TO RYLE?
According to Border's article in the Daily Telegraph, he opined that the standard of bowling Warner will face in Africa and the conditions he would experience will be chalk and cheese to the challenges that await him in England.
Border blasts 'brainless' decision to send Warner to Africa for match practice
"Oh, chalk and cheese, Johnny-me-lad, chalk and cheese!" *
Nigel's take chalk & cheese
Glyndwe r University's Professor Michael Scott said: "We've tried collaboration with traditional universities - it was chalk and cheese."
...NEWSFILE..
Asked about the differences between the current squad and previous teams, Coe, who is chairman of the organising committee for the London Olympics (LOCOG), said: "Chalk and cheese. Absolutely chalk and cheese.
Brit athletes no longer in fear; sport ROUND-UP
Towcester and Plumpton are like chalk and cheese, and though today's trip is over another furlong and a half, it probably won't be as stamina-sapping.
Bedlam Boy 12.50 Ayr SP [...]; BANKERS OR BLOWOUTS?
CHALK AND CHEESE Paul Rust as Denis Cooverman and Hayden Panettiere as Beth Cooper.
COMEDY
His stint with the Basque club lasted just seven months after a falling out with a new president and Coleman admits his current job is 'chalk and cheese' compared to his spell in the Spanish Segunda.
Foreign jobs are the Real deal for Coleman
You think chalk and cheese. Because About refers to the practice and Leisure is a building category.
Almost anonymity
I don't see Michelle as competition for me as we are like chalk and cheese."
Black Country woman in TV final