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

flashcard

spelling

quiz

start-learning

at cross purposes [phrase]

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

Ex: The two political parties were discussing the issue at cross purposes , leading to a stalemate in finding a common solution .

on (a|) par with {sb/sth} [phrase]

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

Ex:

out of place [phrase]

not suitable for a particular situation

Ex: The sudden burst of laughter during the solemn ceremony seemed completely out of place .

out of context [phrase]

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: Sharing snippets of a social media post without the full context can result in misunderstandings and the information being taken out of context .

at odds [phrase]

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

Ex: The politician 's statement was at odds with his previous stance on the issue , causing confusion among his supporters .

out of step with {sb/sth} [phrase]

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

Ex: The artist 's unconventional style of painting was out of step with the traditional art scene , but it garnered attention for its uniqueness .

to [fly] in the teeth of {sth} [phrase]

to be in complete disagreement with something

Ex:

to [lend] itself to {sth} [phrase]

to naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation

Ex:

out of whack [phrase]

not corresponding to or agreeing with something else

Ex: The engine of the old car was running out of whack , making strange noises and causing a decrease in performance .

strange bedfellows [noun]

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

Ex: The marriage between the introverted bookworm and the outgoing partygoer seemed like strange bedfellows , but they complemented each other perfectly .

Describing Qualities
Good Quality or Condition	Poor Quality or Condition	Boring or Interesting	Comparison
Similar or Dissimilar	Order and Tidiness	Old & New Things	Shape, Color & Texture
Place & Position	Location & Placement	Compatibility & Incompatibility	Suitability & Unsuitability
Usefulness & Value	Nature	Vehicles	Describing Qualities