COLLOQUIAL PAIR PHRASES (ADVANCED) (EXERCISE A5E18)

The term 'colloquial paris' refers to common set phrases in English. They are pairs of words that traditionally come together in a specific order and while  these pairs may be understood in a reversed order, they will sound incorrect to a native speaker.

Choose the colloquial ‘pair phrase’ in the box to complete the sentences below.

Prim and proper (Having very traditional, morally conservative beliefs and behavior).           To and fro (Back and forth; from one place to another; toward and away).  Odds and ends (An assortment of small, miscellaneous items, especially those that are not especially   important or valuable).              Hard and fast (Strictly or rigidly adhered to; strong, binding, and clearly defined. Used especially to describe rules). Tooth and nail (Furiously or fiercely; with all of one's strength and effort). By and large (In general; overall).      Pros and cons (The positive ("pros") and negative ("cons") aspects of something). Down and out (Destitute or otherwise devoid of any resources). Length & breadth (Everywhere in a place or area).               Safe and sound (Safe from danger and free from injury or harm). Ins and outs  (The correct and successful way to do something; the special things that one needs to know to do something). Up and about (Moving around, especially after a period of injury, illness, or inactivity). Ups and downs   (Positive and negative events or experiences, considered collectively).             Song and dance   (An elaborate story or effort to explain and justify something). Collar and tie (Formal dress for me – wearing a suit).              Sick and tired (Exceedingly wearied by, bored of, or exasperated with something).                Bits and bobs    (Sundry little items, tasks, or chores).              Cloak and dagger (Refers to situations involving intrigue, secrecy, espionage, or mystery).

(A) She is very ________________________ about everything. Make sure you don’t use any

     swear words around her.

(B) You can find quality beer throughout the ______________________________ of Ireland.

(C) She believes that, _____________________, there is nothing we can do to change anything.

(D) I’m afraid these rules are ____________________________. We can’t make any exceptions.

(E) Now, you’ll have to fight _____________________________ to win this game.

(F) We just had _____________________________ for dinner.

(G) I’m afraid that John is ____________________________. I saw him begging the other day.

(H) Their parents were relieved when they arrived _________________________ from their  

      hiking trip.

(I) I’ve been running _____________________________ all day long. I’m exhausted.

(J) You need to consider the ____________________________ before you make a decision.

(K) I love reading suspenseful ____________________________ novels.

(L) When I called the   computer company all I got was a ___________________________.

(M) She’s _____________________________ of her boss. I think she’s looking for a new job.

(N) As soon as you learn the _____________________ of the business, you’ll be very successful.

(O) I keep all the ___________________________ in that draw over there.

(P) Don’t worry, you’ll be ____________________________ within 10 days.

(Q) It’s a formal dinner, very much a _____________________________ affair.

(U) Of course all marriages have their ______________________, but they are worth the effort.

ANSWERS: 

COLLOQUIAL PAIR PHRASES

Choose the appropriate colloquial ‘pair phrase’ to complete the sentences.

  

 (A) She is very prim and proper  about everything. Make sure you don’t use any

     swear words around her.

(B) You can find quality beer throughout the length & breadth of Ireland.

(C) She believes that, by and large, there is nothing we can do to change anything.

(D) I’m afraid these rules are hard and fast. We can’t make any exceptions.

(E) Now, you’ll have to fight tooth & nail  to win this game.

(F) We just had  odds and ends  for dinner.

(G) I’m afraid that John is down and out. I saw him begging the other day.

(H) Their parents were relieved when they arrived safe and sound  from their  

      hiking trip.

(I) I’ve been running to and fro all day long. I’m exhausted.

(J) You need to consider the pros and cons  before you make a decision.

(K) I love reading suspenseful cloak and dagger novels.

(L) When I called the   computer company all I got was a song and dance.

(M) She’s sick and tired  of her boss. I think she’s looking for a new job.

(N) As soon as you learn the sins and out  of the business, you’ll be very successful.

(O) I keep all the bits and bobs in that draw over there.

(P) Don’t worry, you’ll be up and about within 10 days.

(Q) It’s a formal dinner, very much a  collar and tie affair.

(U) Of course all marriages have their ups and downs , but they are worth the effort.

TO PRINT