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3. be as/like oil and water

be as/like oil and water

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be as/like oil and water

To be unable or unwilling to mix together easily or readily, as of two objects, elements, factors, forces, people, etc. Refers to the natural tendency of oil and water to separate. My dad is like oil and water with my mom's boyfriend, so I don't know how they're going to get through the family reunion in each other's company. The more I pay attention to the news, the more it seems that politics and common sense are as compatible as oil and water.

See also: and, like, oil, water