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Describing Qualities - Compatibility & Incompatibility

Discover how English idioms like "at cross purposes" and "fly in the teeth of" relate to compatibility and incompatibility in English.

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English Idioms used to Describe Qualities
at cross purposes

used to describe a situation in which people or groups have conflicting goals or intentions

Ex: The two teams were working at cross purposes, so the project kept falling behind. 
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on (a|) par with {sb/sth}

used to convey that a person or thing is on the same level as someone or something else

Ex: The new model is on par with the best phones on the market. 
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out of place
out of place
[phrase]

not suitable for a particular situation

Ex: His joke felt out of place at such a serious meeting. 
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out of context

used of a statement or remark that is quoted in an incomplete or inaccurate way, often to the point that makes it hard to understand if not misunderstood

Ex: The article quoted her out of context and made her sound angry. 
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at odds
at odds
[phrase]

(with reference to two things) in contrast to each other instead of correspondence

Ex: His actions were at odds with his promises. 
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out of step with {sb/sth}

having ideas or beliefs that are in conflict with those of other people

Ex: His views are out of step with the younger voters. 
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to [fly] in the teeth of {sth}

to be in complete disagreement with something

Ex: The decision flies in the teeth of every safety recommendation. 
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to [lend] itself to {sth}

to naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation

Ex: The large hall lends itself to conferences and exhibitions. 
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out of whack
out of whack
[phrase]

not corresponding to or agreeing with something else

Ex: The figures are out of whack with what we expected. 
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strange bedfellows

two people or things that form a very good but strange combination with one another

Ex: Politics and comedy are strange bedfellows, but the show makes the mix work. 
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double-edged sword

something that has both advantages and disadvantages

Ex: Fame can be a double-edged sword. 
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