oil and water



oil and water

Two objects, elements, factors, forces, people, etc., that do not or cannot mix together readily. (Usually used comparatively, as in "X and Y are like/as oil and water.") 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, oil, water

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Wetzel-German
EduardE-doo-ahrt (German)German, Russian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, Catalan, Dutch, Estonian, Romanian, Georgian, Armenian
Modeste-French
Niels (1)NILSDanish
NannyNAN-eeEnglish
Clementineklə-mawn-TEENFrench