different as chalk and cheese

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does different as chalk and cheese mean? In what situations is different as chalk and cheese used?

Meaning of "different as chalk and cheese"

Meaning

The idiom ‘different as chalk and cheese’ is used to describe two things or people that are extremely different. It suggests that the difference between the two things or people is so wide that it can’t be bridged, just like the difference between chalk and cheese, two entirely different substances. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of things, from people’s personalities and habits to two different cultures or countries. It implies that the two things or people have nothing in common.

Etymology

The phrase ‘different as chalk and cheese’ first appeared in the 15th century, but its exact origin is unknown. It is thought that the expression was first used to describe two different kinds of cheese, since chalk and cheese have long been a staple in European diets since the Middle Ages. The phrase was then applied to other things to illustrate the huge differences between them.

Usage

The phrase ‘different as chalk and cheese’ can be used to describe two people, ideas, places, cultures, or anything else that is significantly different. It is often used to make a comparison between two things that may initially appear to be similar but are actually quite different. For example, two people may seem to have similar tastes in music but upon closer inspection, their music tastes may be drastically different.

The phrase can also be used in a more literal sense, to describe two substances that are entirely different. For example, when talking about the different textures of two types of fabric, one could compare them to chalk and cheese.

Example Sentences

• My two sons are as different as chalk and cheese - one is a bookworm while the other loves sports.
• Everyone in our family has a unique personality - it’s like we’re all different as chalk and cheese.
• The two political parties have very different policies - they’re different as chalk and cheese.
• The textures of silk and wool are as different as chalk and cheese - one is smooth and the other is rough.

Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.