# 非驴非马

fēi lǘ fēi mǎ

Be an incoherent mixture of types

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Neither donkey nor horse

**Traditional Chinese:** 非驢非馬

**Register:** Critical · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Criticize something fitting no convincing category.

Can unfairly dismiss useful hybrid designs.

## Understanding the expression

A creature that fits neither familiar type leaves the observer unsure how to understand it. Modern use criticizes a plan, work, style, or institution that mixes forms without becoming a coherent whole. It overlaps with other expressions for an awkward mismatch but has a sharper, sometimes mocking tone. Hybrids can also be useful and original. The criticism should identify a functional or stylistic problem rather than merely dislike a new category.

## Examples

这个方案非驴非马，目的不清。

### Traditional Chinese

這個方案非驢非馬，目的不清。

zhè ge fāng àn fēi lǘ fēi mǎ ， mù dì bù qīng 。

This plan is an incoherent mixture with no clear purpose.

改编后的作品显得非驴非马。

### Traditional Chinese

改編後的作品顯得非驢非馬。

gǎi biān hòu de zuò pǐn xiǎn de fēi lǘ fēi mǎ 。

The adaptation feels awkwardly between types.

他批评新制度非驴非马。

### Traditional Chinese

他批評新制度非驢非馬。

tā pī píng xīn zhì dù fēi lǘ fēi mǎ 。

He criticized the new system as incoherent.

混合设计未必就是非驴非马。

### Traditional Chinese

混合設計未必就是非驢非馬。

hùn hé shè jì wèi bì jiù shì fēi lǘ fēi mǎ 。

A hybrid design is not necessarily an incoherent mixture.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%9D%9E%E9%A9%A2%E9%9D%9E%E9%A6%AC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=247&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

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