oil and water don't mix
The phrase "oil and water don't mix" illustrates the idea that some entities or characteristics are fundamentally incompatible, akin to the physical properties of oil and water.
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Definition
B2General
(figurative)Two things or people that are inherently incompatible and cannot coexist harmoniously.
Example
- Their personalities are so different; it's like oil and water don't mix.
B2Social Relationships
(figurative, informal)Certain people or groups that cannot form harmonious relationships due to their inherent differences.
Example
- Trying to get those two to work together is impossible; oil and water don't mix.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "oil and water don't mix":