Meaning: Two things or people that are completely different
Hindi: दो पूर्णतः भिन्न चीज़ें या व्यक्ति
Synonyms: poles apart, worlds apart, different as night and day
Antonyms: two peas in a pod, similar
Asked in: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 · SSC MTS 2023
chalk and cheese in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom: Chalk and cheese
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Things that are opposites or completely different
Correct Answer: Option 1 — "Things that are opposites or completely different"
"Chalk and cheese" (also used as "like chalk and cheese") is an idiom meaning two things or people that are completely different from each other. Chalk and cheese look alike (both white) but are completely different in nature.
Example: The two brothers are like chalk and cheese — one is introverted and studious, the other is outgoing and carefree.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 "Things that are similar" — this is the OPPOSITE of the idiom's meaning.
Option 3 "Things that complement each other" — the idiom refers to differences, not complementary qualities.
Option 4 "Things that are tasteless" — a literal (a - SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Be like chalk and cheeseAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) To be completely different from each other
Answer: (2) To be completely different from each other
Solution:
• The idiom "Be like chalk and cheese" means to be entirely different or opposite in nature, quality, or behaviour (एकदम अलग या विपरीत होना)
• Chalk and cheese are two very different substances, and the phrase is used to describe two people or things that have nothing in common
Example:
Although they are twins, their personalities are like chalk and cheese.
Other options explained:
• To be very similar to each other – opposite meaning ❌
• To be distantly related to each other – unrelated ❌
• To have a close relation with another person – unrelated ❌
So, the correct meaning of the idiom "Be like chalk and cheese" is (2) To be co
Examples
- “The twins are like chalk and cheese in personality.”
chalk and cheese – questions
What is the meaning of chalk and cheese in Hindi?
chalk and cheese means “दो पूर्णतः भिन्न चीज़ें या व्यक्ति” in Hindi. In English: Two things or people that are completely different
What are the synonyms of chalk and cheese?
Synonyms of chalk and cheese: poles apart, worlds apart, different as night and day.
What is the opposite of chalk and cheese?
Antonyms of chalk and cheese: two peas in a pod, similar.
Has chalk and cheese been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – chalk and cheese has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC MTS 2023.