Père David's deer; reindeer; neither fish nor fowl
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
Père David's deer; milu (Elaphurus davidianus)
Refers to a species of deer native to China, characterized by its unique appearance combining features of deer, camel, cow, and horse.
The Père David's deer is a rare animal unique to China.
This milu looks like both a horse and a deer.
noun
reindeer; caribou (colloquial)
informalA colloquial term used in some northern regions of China to refer to reindeer, especially those used for pulling sleds.
In the north, people sometimes call reindeer 'sì bù xiàng'.
Reindeer pulling sleds is a traditional scene in the north.
noun
something nondescript; neither fish nor fowl; incongruous mixture
Used metaphorically to describe something or someone that does not fit into any clear category or standard, often implying a failure to meet expectations or standards.
This painting is neither fish nor fowl—it's neither landscape nor portrait.
His outfit is so mismatched; he looks completely nondescript.
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This design proposal is an incongruous mixture with no discernible style.