Chalk and cheese

Pro Tip 1/3

British Origin

Used mostly in British English, less common in other English-speaking regions.

In American English, they might say 'apples and oranges' where we say 'chalk and cheese.'

Pro Tip 2/3

Usually Negative

Often points out incompatibility or a striking difference that's not viewed positively.

Trying to pair those two together was futile; they're like chalk and cheese.

Pro Tip 3/3

Strong Contrast

Emphasizes extreme differences, more than just a simple contrast.

It's not just that their opinions differ - their entire worldviews are chalk and cheese.