round peg in a square hole; mismatch; incompatibility
A rare yojijukugo meaning that things do not fit together, like a round peg in a square hole. Used metaphorically for incompatible ideas, people, or situations.
円鑿方枘 is a classical idiom that expresses incompatibility, like trying to fit a round tenon into a square hole.
A common modern expression for incompatibility, whereas 円鑿方枘 is a rare classical idiom.
Means discrepancy or inconsistency, often used in formal contexts; 円鑿方枘 is more vivid and metaphorical.
A Sino-Japanese idiom from classical Chinese 円鑿方枘, “round mortise and square tenon,” an image for two things that cannot fit together.