a contradiction in terms

contradiction in terms

A phrase or expression that causes confusion because it contains words or ideas that contradict each other; an oxymoron. Jumbo shrimp is such a contradiction in terms.
See also: contradiction, term
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a contraˌdiction in ˈterms

a statement or description containing two words or phrases that contradict each other’s meaning: They call their project ‘a peace offensive’, which seems to me a contradiction in terms.
See also: contradiction, term
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • contradiction
  • contradiction in terms
  • coin a phrase
  • hey
  • but hey
  • But, hey
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
  • a penny for them
  • great minds
  • great minds think alike