Neologism: Checkers and chess
checkers and chess - noun phrase - A situation where two or more actors in a situation are using entirely different strategies, working toward two entirely different goals, or are following entirely unrelated ideologies. With sufficient cluelessness the actors in question may never actually come into conflict, even though they may be convinced they are fighting tooth and nail with one another. The end result is a complete and total waste of time, money, and energy.