From an article I’m translating from Russian (which is a translation from Chinese). The reference is to Western economists:
If we use their research methods and rely on concepts and conclusions obtained as a result of their studies, and apply them to studying the Chinese economy, a situation will arise where, if I may exaggerate somewhat, our findings will differ radically from theirs, just as the mouth of a horse does not fit the head of a cow.
That is a literal translation. I’m thinking there HAS TO BE an English expression for such a mismatch, but damned if I can come up with one! 
“Square peg in a round hole” would seem to be the most conventional way to put it.
“Like hats on feet or shoes on the head”?
“Like oranges from an apple tree”?
Something to do with using the wrong tools–research tools in actuality, but maybe for the simile:
[ul]
[li]like trying to build a house with knitting needles[/li]
[li]like trying to repair a car with shovels and rakes[/li]
[li]like trying to map the heavens with microscopes and magnifying glasses[/li][/ul]
…Not that any of these are customary maxims; just plain old similes. But they would get across the idea of trying to do research with inappropriate techniques.
Like putting two pounds of shot in a one-pound cannon.
Like putting water in a gas tank.
Like putting two pounds of bologna in a one pound bag.
Thanks for the suggestions. Square pegs would seem to be the most conventional; I’ll give it a try. 
If there are any Mandarin speakers out there (I’m assuming the original learned text was in Mandarin), is “horse’s mouth/cow’s head” a common idiom in that language? :dubious:
the chinese say:A donkey’s lips. A horse’s mouth. These two simply don’t fit each other.
Very interesting. I wonder if “cow” wasn’t a mistranslation by the Russian author.
Well, a donkey and a horse don’t need to kiss to make a mule…
If frog had wings, he would not bump ass while attempting flight. NOW EVERYONE DRINK!
Or comparing apples and oranges.