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chalk and cheese

(British, NZ, idiomatic) Said of things that are very different, though possibly superficially alike.

ˈt͡ʃɑk ənd ˈt͡ʃizCurrent42 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(British, NZ, idiomatic) Said of things that are very different, though possibly superficially alike.

Origin: Attested in variant form since 1393. The surface of some cheeses, particularly unaged ones, resembles the surface of chalk: white, crumbling, but in substance cheese is much softer than chalk. It is interesting to note that lime chalk and cottage cheese forms a glue-like material used in the restoration of ancient half-timbered houses, perhaps suggesting an alternative original meaning. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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  • He may have spent a fortune, but he did it within the rules, improving revenue, moving on good academy players and growing the club as a whole. Compare that to Chelsea, city, Manchester Utd...its chalk and cheese.

    Bluesky· May 2026
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