Square peg in a round hole

Meaning

Someone who does not fit into a situation or role.

Usage

Critiques forced assignments or misfit careers.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Literal image of forcing a square shape into a circular hole.

Used in British essays of the 1800s and still quoted in leadership books.