neither fish nor fowl

Idioms  

1. Also, neither fish nor flesh; neither fish, flesh, nor fowl. Not one or the other, not something fitting any category under discussion. For example, They felt he was neither fish nor fowl—not qualified to lead the department, yet not appropriate to work as a staff member either. This expression appeared in slightly different form in John Heywood's 1546 proverb collection (“Neither fish, nor flesh, nor good red herring”) and is thought to allude to food for monks (fish, because they abstained from meat), for the people (flesh, or meat), and for the poor (red herring, a very cheap fish).

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Example Sentences

What I saw above Idaho was neither fish nor fowl, and I could not quite convince myself it was real.

From Los Angeles Times

Lois’ idea was to champion USA Today’s dual appeal as a newspaper and magazine, proposing the slogan, “A lot of people are saying USA Today is neither fish nor fowl. They’re right!”

From Seattle Times

This “Little Prince” is an uncomfortable hybrid, neither fish nor fowl or sheep.

From New York Times

“The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck” isn’t quite a graphic novel, nor is it a straight-up illustrated book; it’s neither fish nor fowl.

From New York Times

When Roosevelt was once asked about the political philosophy behind the Tennessee Valley Authority — an immense public power project that he signed into law — Alter summarized the former president as quipping, “It’s neither fish nor fowl, but it sure does taste good to the people of the Tennessee Valley.”

From Washington Post