Pairs #7

A blessing and a curse. Something that is both a benefit and a burden, or that may seem initially beneficial but also brings unforeseen negative consequences.

Kibbles ‘n Bits. A brand of dog food since 1981.

Out and about. (idiomatic) Engaged in day-to-day activities requiring travel.

Again and again. Repeatedly.

Surf and turf. A meal that combines seafood and meat, typically lobster or shrimp and steak.

Ebb and flow. 1) The flowing out and in of the tide. 2) (figuratively) A large flowing out and in, or any waxing and waning of fortunes or activity.

Ghosts and goblins. Supernatural creatures to avoid, especially at Halloween.

Ladies and gentlemen. A phrase used to address an audience of both sexes.

Yea and amen. 1) (Christianity) An enthusiastic agreement. 2. (colloquial) A submissive, uncritical and unquestioning agreement.

Cake and ice cream. A food pairing that is de rigueur at children’s birthday parties.

Wait and see. To await the course of events before taking action.

Tables and chairs. A pair of necessities when setting up for a party or banquet.

Vim and vigor. (idiomatic) energetic spirit, zeal, vitality.

Macaroni and cheese. A savory dish made from cooked macaroni and cheese sauce.

Question and answer. A type of informational session during which an individual or an audience asks questions and another individual or group answers them.

Back and forth. From one place to another and back again.

Rack and pinion. A pair of gears, consisting of a circular pinion that engages with the teeth of a flat bar, that converts rotational into linear motion; used in the steering mechanism of cars, and in some railways.

Kippers and custard. At one time, an exasperated or evasive British parent’s answer to a child’s question, “What’s for supper/tea?”

Dead and gone. (1) (idiomatic) Of an issue, moot, passed, irrelevant, forgotten. (2) (idiomatic) Of a project or plan, wholly dispensed with; never to be completed or revived.

Safe and secure. Free from harm, risk and danger.

Hack and slash. (roleplaying games, video games, informal) Having a focus on violent combat rather than strategy.

Odds and ends. (idiomatic) Miscellaneous things.

Name and address. Specific identifiable information used to describe or identify an individual or entity, and their specific location or contact point.

X’s and O’s. (1) The game of tic-tac-toe (noughts and crosses in the UK). (2) An abbreviation for kisses and hugs.