Pairs #54

jump up and down. To make a great display of emotion, especially excitement or anger.

drop back and punt. (informal) To consider, devise, or undertake a drastically different course of action in an attempt to resolve an undesirable or untenable situation. In American football, a team on offense will commonly punt the ball on their fourth and final down, after other offensive plays have not been successful.

(all) sweetness and light. 1. Of a person, particularly pleasant, amiable, or magnanimous, especially to an ostentatious or exaggerated degree. 2. Of a situation, particularly pleasant, enjoyable, or appealing. Often used in negative constructions.

lean and mean. Ready, able, and willing to work hard and achieve the desired results, especially in an efficient or dominant manner.

bill and coo. To kiss, nuzzle, and talk sweetly with another person, typically a romantic partner.

between wind and water. Vulnerable.

comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. To provide aid or support to those in need, while prompting those in positions of power or luxury to act in more ethical ways. Adapted from the writing of humorist Finley Peter Dunne as the fictional character "Mr. Dooley."

keep calm and carry on. Remain steadfast and composed in the face of adversity. Originally the slogan of a motivational poster produced by the British government ahead of World War II, the phrase has, since the early 2000s, become popularized to the point of cliché.

kick back and relax. To make oneself comfortable, as in a seated or prone position, and free oneself from tension.

here and there. 1. In different places. 2. In different directions; this way and that.

haul off and do (something). 1. To recoil or pull back before taking some action. 2. To do something with little forethought.

red in tooth and claw. Having, involving, or employing merciless and possibly cruel tactics during conflict or competition.

make buckle and tongue meet. To have enough money to survive; to make ends meet.

a thing of shreds and patches. Something made up of small scraps of various things that have been crudely or inadequately assembled together.

fend and prove. (outdated) To argue and defend a point or opinion.

Give us the tools, and we’ll finish the job. (proverb) Provide someone with that which they lack, and they will complete the task, often after others have abandoned or struggled with it.

all talk and no cider. All talk and no action. Full of strong words, promises, or intentions, but failing either to act on those words or to achieve results.

ever and again. (old-fashioned) Occasionally; now and then.

make fish of one and flesh of the other. To favor one person or thing over another, often in a discriminatory fashion. The phrase refers to the now-outdated practice of categorizing meat as fish, flesh, or fowl.

all meat and no potatoes. (rude) A phrase used to describe someone who is very obese.

whys and wherefores. The various underlying factors that cause or contribute (to something).

doom and gloom. (A situation) characterized by negativity or futility.

cheap and nasty. (primarily UK, Australia) Inexpensive and poorly constructed.

lay down and die. To quit; to give up hope or ambition.