The idiom "you can’t make fish of one and fowl of the other" means that you cannot combine two things that are completely different from each other. It is used to describe a situation where two things or people are too different to be treated or handled in the same way.
For example, if you have two employees with completely different skill sets, you cannot expect them to perform the same tasks or have the same responsibilities. You have to treat them differently and assign them tasks that suit their abilities.
The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it is believed to have come from the fact that fish and fowl are two completely different types of food. You cannot cook them the same way or expect them to taste the same.
In summary, this idiom is used to emphasize that two things or people are too different to be treated in the same way. It is important to recognize and appreciate the differences and adjust accordingly.
• My friends want to go out and party, but I need to study for my exams. I told them, you can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.
• My colleagues have very different work styles. Some prefer to work independently, while others like to collaborate. I told them, we need to find a way to work together because you can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.
• My boss wants me to work overtime every day, but I have a family to take care of. I told him, you can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.
• I prefer to eat vegetables, but my friend only eats meat. You can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.
• My parents have very different opinions on politics. They always argue, but I tell them, you can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.
• In a multicultural society, we need to accept and appreciate our differences. We can't force everyone to be the same because you can't make fish of one and fowl of the other.