This hybrid car is neither fish nor fowl.
neither fish nor fowl
idiomNot easily categorized; not rightly belonging or fitting well in a given group or situation; also, not having the advantages of the various options.
Origin
first recorded 19th c. disputed originPossibly a variant of neither fish, flesh, nor fowl, itself a variant of neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring which is attested from the 16th century. According to Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1895), the latter term referred to three types of food generally consumed by the different classes in society: fish by the clergy, flesh by the common people, and red herring by the poor. Thus if something was neither fish, flesh, nor red herring, it was good for no one.
The new software is neither fish nor fowl, as it lacks the features of a professional tool but is too complex for casual users.
The candidate’s political platform was neither fish nor fowl, failing to satisfy the traditionalists while simultaneously alienating the progressive wing of the party.
- 01
big fish
An important person.
- 02
big fish in a small pond
One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.
- 03
bigger fish to fry
A much more pressing issue to attend to.
- 04
cold fish
A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.
- 05
fish in troubled waters
To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.
- 06
fish or cut bait
To make a decision, especially after a period of delay; to either take action now or forgo the opportunity.
- 07
fish out
To search for by rummaging, and then extract (an item from e.g. a container); to obtain.
- 08
fish out of water
A person in unfamiliar and often uncomfortable surroundings.