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Natives love binomial pair expressions, we throw them out all the time and use them in both formal and informal situations. But what is a binomial pair? Well it’s a word combination made expression that uses two words that are joined by a conjunction (usually “for”, “and” or “or”) However, you can’t play around with the word order, this is fixed, so getting it back to front would just sound strange.
Here is part one of two pages that will to give you some really common binomial pair expressions. Try squeezing one or two into your next conversation with a native speaker.
15 Commonly used binomial pair
1. Pros and cons
Means – Positives and negatives.
Example – I need to look at all the “Pros and Cons” before making a final decision
2. Part and parcel
Means – Used to emphasise that something is involved or included.
Example – I know you feel bad but a hangover is “Part and Parcel” of mixing drinks
3. Give or take (More or Less)
Means – Roughly, around or approximately.
Example – It’s 2km “Give or take” to the London eye from here
4. Short and sweet
Means – Efficiently brief in duration, but somewhat pleasant.
Example – I rode the lift with the hot girl from Accounting, it was a Short and sweet ride
5. Safe and sound
Means – Safe and Good, without issues or problems
Example – I managed to get an Uber, so I got to home “Safe and Sound.”
6. Hustle and bustle
Means – Lots of movement and activity.
Example – Oxford Street on Saturday has so much hustle and bustle.
7. Bits and pieces
Means – Small things
Example – I hate making Ikea furniture, there are too many little “Bits and Pieces” to put together.
8. Neat and tidy (Spick and Span)
Means – Clean, tidy.
Example – Go to your room and don’t come out till it’s all “Neat and Tidy”
9. Wine and dine
Means – To entertain with fine food and drinks
Example – Big night yesterday, I had to “Wine and Dine” some guys from corporate.
10. Sooner or later
Means – Eventually, at some point.
Example – The train will be here “Sooner or Later”, I’ve been waiting ages.
11. Step by step
Means – To do something little by little
Example – If we practice step by Step, it will eventually make sense.
12. Peace and quiet
Meaning: Without any noise is disturbance.
Example – I don’t want to talk; I need a cup of tea and some Peace and quiet
13. Ups and downs
Means – The good and bad things
Example – 2021 was a difficult year, I experienced many ups and downs
14. Sick and tired
Means – to be frustrated about something or someone.
Example – I’m Sick and tired of all the fake news out there, who can you trust.
15. Skin and bone
Means – Skinny, extremely frail and thin
Example – Was that Natalia, she is all “Skin and bone”, she really needs to eat something
Where you able to figure the meanings of these before reading the description?
Need more Binomial Pair Expressions, part 2 is coming soon.
