Pairs #30

Boon and bane. Something that is both a benefit and an affliction.

Born and bred. (idiomatic) Showing characteristics of birth and upbringing, especially in relation to a particular location.

All fur coat and no knickers. (UK) Having a superficially positive appearance that is belied by the reality.

Blood and soil. A nationalist or Fascist ideology linking a particular ethnicity or heritage to a particular geographic region, as in the concept of Lebensraum (“living space”) in Nazi Germany or white nationalism in the United States.

Curds and whey. Cottage cheese.

Forward and back. From one place to another and back again.

Spit and polish. (informal) The application of (possibly rough and ready) cleaning techniques.

Boot and rally. (slang) To drink alcohol to the point of vomiting, and then continue drinking afterwards.

Stop and drop. A location in the home (smaller than a mud room) to store umbrellas, coats and shoes.

Hunger and thirst. A phrase found in Matthew 5:6 — “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Cowboys and Indians. A children's game, with chasing and mock battles, in which the players assume the traditional (and usually stereotypical) roles of cowboys and American Indians.

Crash and burn. (informal) To fail utterly.

Boom and bust. (economics, finance, business) A pattern of high prices in a given market or in the entire economy followed by ruinously low prices, falling production, and bankruptcies by producers; prosperity followed by recession.

Bootleggers and Baptists. A concept put forth by regulatory economist Bruce Yandle, derived from the observation that regulations are supported both by groups that want the ostensible purpose of the regulation, and by groups that profit from undermining that purpose.

Stars and Stripes. The flag of the United States.

Bold and beautiful. Attractively confident.

Stand and deliver. A phrase traditionally used by a highwayman commanding victims to hand over their valuables.

Hugs and kisses. (idiomatic) An informal way to end a letter, email etc. to a loved one.

Hurry up and wait. (idiomatic, humorous) To hurry to complete a task or arrive at a destination by a specified time, only for nothing to happen, due to other requirements that have yet to be satisfied.

Sticks and stones. (idiomatic) Ellipsis of “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Cream and sugar. A pairing frequently included in a coffee order.

Strawberries and cream. A dish consisting of strawberries and whipped cream, often served with sugar on top.

Huff and puff. To breathe heavily, especially after rigorous exercise.

Wine and dine. To entertain or woo someone with a fine meal.