pattern

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.

Review

Flashcards

Quiz

Start learning
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 team members were talking at cross purposes, as each had a different understanding of the project's objectives. 
Close
Sign in
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: His new book is on par with his bestsellers. 
Close
Sign in
out of place
out of place
[phrase]

not suitable for a particular situation

Ex: His casual attire stood out and felt out of place at the formal gala. 
Close
Sign in
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: Quoting a single sentence from a lengthy conversation can easily lead to misinterpretation and taking it out of context. 
Close
Sign in
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. 
Close
Sign in
out of step with {sb/sth}

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

Ex: His conservative views on social issues put him out of step with the progressive majority in the community. 
Close
Sign in
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. 
Close
Sign in
to [lend] itself to {sth}

to naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation

Ex: The spacious kitchen layout lends itself to hosting large family gatherings. 
Close
Sign in
out of whack
out of whack
[phrase]

not corresponding to or agreeing with something else

Ex: After the power outage, the timing of all the clocks in the house was out of whack, causing confusion. 
Close
Sign in
strange bedfellows

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

Ex: The environmentalist and the oil company executive made for strange bedfellows when they joined forces to develop renewable energy solutions. 
Close
Sign in
double-edged sword

something that has both advantages and disadvantages

Ex: Fame can be a double-edged sword. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app