Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cant-tell-chalk-from-cheese

idiom

kænt tɛl tʃɔk frʌm tʃiz

Definition

To be unable to distinguish between two things that are very different from each other.

Examples

He’s so naive that he can’t tell chalk from cheese when it comes to people.
When it comes to art, she can’t tell chalk from cheese and usually confuses modern art with classical pieces.

Meaning

This phrase is used to express a situation where someone is unable to tell the difference between things that are fundamentally different, often due to a lack of understanding or experience.