Pairs #12

Hammer and nail. An observant comment about an individual over-relying on a familiar tool, whether or not it is appropriate to the situation. This is a reference to Abraham Maslow’s “law of instrument” (a.k.a. “Maslow’s Hammer”): “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

Fine and dandy. (informal, sometimes sarcastic) Superb, excellent.

Fife and drum. A crucial mode of military communication from commander to troops before the advent of radios, phones and drones, as their sound could carry over long distances and be heard over the din of battle.

Hard and fast. (idiomatic, of rules, etc.) Strictly maintained.

Beam and scales. A balance; a pair of scales for weighing.

Leaps and bounds. (idiomatic) Dramatic improvements.

Watch and wait. (medicine) Watchful waiting, an approach to a medical problem in which time is allowed to pass before medical intervention or therapy is used; during this time, repeated testing may be performed.

Savings and loan. A financial institution that specializes in accepting savings deposits and making mortgage and other loans.

Dos and don’ts. A set of rules or guidelines that one has to follow in a particular situation.

Knife-and-fork. (archaic) A person who eats heartily. Or, a pair of utensils for eating.

Apples and oranges. (idiomatic) A comparison of items that, however categorically similar, is inapt; an incompatible equation, or the items thus compared.

On and on. Continuously and tediously.

Life and limb. Existence together with the bodily faculties

The Iliad and The Odyssey. A pair of epic poems attributed to Homer (8th century BCE).

Goodness and light. “He will bring us goodness and light” is the last line of the Christmas song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (music, Gloria Shayne; lyrics, Noël Regney).

Grin and bear it. To endure a difficult or disagreeable situation with good humour.

Chapter and verse. 1. (literally) The chapter number and verse number (within a particular book) that locate a quotation from the Bible. 2. (informal) Very full and detailed information.

Republicans and Democrats. Members of the two principal political parties in the US.

Parks and Recreation. A government agency or department (municipal or statewide) responsible for public parks and recreational public works.

Names and faces. Perhaps the two most important things to remember about those you meet.

Down and dirty. (informal) Thoroughly involved; hands-on.

Alive and well. (idiomatic) Healthy; vital; in good health, particularly in opposition to unfavorable circumstances.

Man and boy. (Britain) During one's manhood and boyhood; since one's childhood; all one's life.

Mashed potatoes and gravy. A side dish.