ice and charcoal; contradiction
Literary or classical expression for two things that are completely opposite or incompatible, like ice and hot coals. Often used in metaphorical contexts.
His words and actions are full of contradictions that cannot coexist, like ice and hot coals.
complete incompatibility; like water and oil
Compound of 氷 (ice) and 炭 (charcoal), literally 'ice and charcoal', used metaphorically for incompatible opposites. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a classical Chinese pattern of pairing opposites.