square peg into a round hole

Alternative forms

• square peg in a round hole

Noun

square peg into a round hole (uncountable)

1. Something or someone that does not fit well in its environment or for the desired usage.
   • 1873, Edward L. Bulwer, Lord Lytton, Kenelm Chillingly: his adventures and opinions : a novel, page 155:

     ... and insist upon forcing a square peg into a round hole, because in a round hole you, being a round peg, feel tight and comfortable.

   • 1985, United States Senate, Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure, Rulemaking Procedures Reform Act of 1985: hearing before the Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure, page 77:

     ... you have guidelines for putting a square peg into a square hole, but we are trying to apply those same guidelines to put a square peg into a round hole.