"Square peg and round hole". What does it mean?
I quoted it from a movie entitled "the holiday". The female leading role said to her ex-boyfriend:"I was right there for three years. Remember? Square peg,round hole? What? That's what you said. That we weren't really right for each other. We were square peg and a round hole."

Does it mean "not suitable for each other"? Is it right? Can you tell me? Thank you very much!

Question

"Square peg and round hole". What does it mean?
I quoted it from a movie entitled "the holiday". The female leading role said to her ex-boyfriend:"I was right there for three years. Remember? Square peg,round hole? What? That's what you said. That we weren't really right for each other. We were square peg and a round hole."

Does it mean "not suitable for each other"? Is it right? Can you tell me? Thank you very much!

Answer

Hi Rainbow,

Yes you are pretty well right about the meaning. A square shape and a round shape are very different. So because of this if you try to put one inside the other they will not go no matter how hard you try. So in the case of some relationships it is the same. No matter how hard people try at the relationship it will not work. because the two of them are different personalities. This is the meaning in the movie. Hope this helps. Adam

Answer

You are right. Also If somebody's in a situation, organisation,etc, where they don't fit in and feel out of place, they are a square peg in a round hole.

Answer

It can also mean "impossible".

Answer

Thank you, frank panda, I have not contacted you for a long time. It's my pleasure to meet you here.

Answer

a square peg in a round hole =  incompatible

لا تفوّت فرصة تعلّم لغة جديدة وأنت مرتاح في منزلك. تصفّح مجموعتنا المختارة من مدرّسي اللغات ذوي الخبرة وسجّل في درسك الأول الآن!