not speak (one's) language
To not be able to communicate in a way that aligns with one's perspective, preferences, motivations, etc. The new project manager comes from a completely different industry. He just doesn't speak our language, you know? My father-in-law is all about sports, hunting, and cars, but I've always been into literature and art, so I feel like I don't speak his language.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.