Unit 6: Binomials

Binomials are expressions (often idiomatic) where two words are joined by a conjunction (usually ‘and’). The order of the words is normally fixed.

odds and ends

small, unimportant things

give and take

a spirit of compromise

part and parcel

an important part of / belong to

ranting and raving

shouting / very angry

rack and ruin

is ruined / has decayed

prim and proper

rather formal and fussy

rough and ready

poor standard or quality

wine and dine

entertain / take out to restaurants

high and dry

in a very difficult situation

pick and choose

have a wide choice

leaps and bounds

big jumps

peace and quiet

a peaceful/calm situation

rest and recreation / R and R

relaxation

first and foremost

first and most importantly

here and there

scattered round / in different places

on and off / off and on

occasionally

back and forth / to and fro

to and from somewhere

out and about

going out

up and down

in both directions

back to front

the wrong way

sink or swim

survive or fail

slowly but surely

gradually

sooner or later

sometime in the future

all or nothing

alles of niets

give or take

perhaps a mile or two more, or a mile or two less