PhrasesHub

(As) different as chalk and cheese

    Definitions

      • emphasize differences between two things
        To highlight the stark contrast or dissimilarity between two things, often to the point of being complete opposites

      • describe two people who are completely different
        To describe two individuals who have very little in common, whether it be in terms of personality, interests, or appearance

    Examples of (As) different as chalk and cheese

    • John and his wife, Sarah, are as different as chalk and cheese. John is practical and level-headed, while Sarah is impulsive and emotional.

      This idiom is used to describe two things that are entirely dissimilar, differing from one another as significantly as chalk and cheese. Chalk and cheese are two seemingly opposite things by nature, with chalk being a soft, white, and subtractive material used in writing and drawing, while cheese is a protein-rich food item that comes in a variety of textures, flavors, and elements. The usage of this idiom signifies a drastic difference between two people, things, or situations.

    • The world-renowned opera singer and the heavy metal guitarist were as different as chalk and cheese.

      This idiom is used when expressing the extreme contrast or dissimilarity between two things. Here, the opera singer and heavy metal guitarist represent two vastly different genres of music, with the former being elegant and classical, and the latter being loud and rocky.

    • Sally, the introverted and reserved librarian, and Jack, the outgoing and talkative salesman, were as different as chalk and cheese.

      Sometimes, this idiom is used to represent differences in personality traits. In this instance, Sally and Jack represent opposite ends of the social spectrum, with the former being shy and reserved, and the latter being outgoing and talkative.

    • The modern and sophisticated art gallery and the rustic and old-fashioned barn stood in stark contrast, like chalk and cheese.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the striking difference in style or appearance between two places. In this case, the art gallery represents the modern and sophisticated art scene, while the barn represents the traditional and rustic way of life.

    • The quiet and studious college student and the boisterous and rowdy partygoer were as different as chalk and cheese.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the contrast between two groups of people or two lifestyles. In this example, the college student and the partygoer represent two opposite choices in lifestyle, with the former preferring quietness and studiousness, and the latter preferring excitement and partying.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "as different as chalk and cheese" is used to emphasize the vast differences between two things or people. It is often used to highlight the stark contrast between two things that have little in common. This can be in terms of appearance, personality, or even behaviors and actions. The idiom is used to emphasize just how different these two things or people are, often to the point of being complete opposites.

    Origin of "(As) different as chalk and cheese"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was first recorded in a Middle English poem called "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. In the poem, Chaucer writes "He is as like a mare as one is like a mare, that by his countenance is so sly and coy." This is believed to be one of the earliest uses of the phrase to describe two individuals who are completely different from each other.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to include the comparison of chalk and cheese, which are two very different substances with distinct characteristics. Chalk is a soft, white, and powdery substance while cheese is a solid, often yellow, and pungent food. The stark differences between these two substances further emphasized the contrast between two things or people when the idiom was used.

    Today, the phrase is commonly used in various contexts to describe differences between two things or people, and its origins can be traced back to the medieval times.