06 May 2023
And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
Oil and water are two very different substances. Oil is thick. Water is thin. If you pour oil into water, they do not mix, and the oil floats to the top.
This difficult relationship can play a part in some laboratory experiments. It can play a big part in kitchens as we cook food. It can also be used to describe some of our personal relationships.
If we say two people are like oil and water, it means they do not get along. They are not compatible.
Things like objects, elements, and people that do not or cannot mix together easily can be compared to oil and water.
Here is an example from experience. My friend often asked me to watch her cat Bluey when she would travel out of town. Usually, cats love me but not Bluey. He would make terrible cat noises as soon as I walked into the apartment. Every time I tried to pet him, he would bite and scratch me. So, I didn't like him either. We were like oil and water. I took care of him, but for the most part, we ignored each other.
This expression describes how oil and water naturally separate. They are incompatible. So are people who have nothing in common and do not get along.
We sometimes say oil and water do not mix to express an opinion that two things do not go together.
Here is another "oil" expression. If you pour oil on troubled water, you calm a tense situation. You might not hear this expression too much in America as it is mainly a British usage.
Now let's hear the expression used between two friends.
A: I'm worried about my birthday party.
B: Why? It's not until next weekend.
A: It doesn't matter. My two best friends will never find a way to get along. Ben likes to plan everything and is a bit of a control freak. Kara is super easy going and likes to play things by ear.
B: Those two sound like oil and water.
A: They are! And they want to throw the party together. What a truly bad idea.
B: I have a good idea. I'll come to the party early. If things between them get heated, I'll get between them and calm things down.
A: You'll be the oil on my troubled waters!
B: Sure. Whatever you say. I just want to have fun at your party!
And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time ... I'm Anna Matteo.
Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
compatible – adj. able to coexist without problems
control freak – n. a person whose behavior indicates a powerful need to control people or circumstances in everyday matters
play things by ear – idiom to do something without special preparation