This is lesson 2 from Idiom Part 4. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
English Idiom Part 4- Lesson 2- Idioms Using “And”
1- Give and take = Mutual compromise or cooperation.
A good relationship needs a lot of give and take from both partners.
2- Wear and tear = Damage or deterioration from ordinary use over time.
The sofa shows some wear and tear, but it’s still comfortable.
3- Time and again = Repeatedly; very often.
I’ve told you time and again not to leave your things everywhere.
4- Peace and quiet = A calm and relaxing environment.
After a hectic week, all I want is some peace and quiet.
5- Born and bred = To be born and raised in a particular place.
He’s a Londoner, born and bred.
6- On and off = Occasionally; intermittently.
It rained on and off all day.
7- Sick and tired = Annoyed or fed up with something.
I’m sick and tired of doing the same tasks every day.
8- Wait and see = To be patient and find out what happens.
Don’t worry yet let’s just wait and see how things turn out.
9- By and large = Generally; overall.
By and large, the conference was a success.
10- Touch and go = Uncertain or risky situation.
It was touch and go during the surgery, but he pulled through.
11- Bright and early = Very early in the morning.
We need to leave bright and early to beat the traffic.
12- Ups and downs = Good and bad times.
Every relationship has its ups and downs.
13- Pick and choose = To be selective.
You can’t always pick and choose your assignments at work.
14- Odds and ends = Small, miscellaneous items.
I found some odds and ends in the drawer that might be useful.
15- By leaps and bounds = Rapidly or significantly.
Her English has improved by leaps and bounds since she moved abroad.
16- Out and about = Active or going out after being ill or inactive.
After a week of resting, he’s finally out and about again.
17- First and foremost = Most importantly.
First and foremost, we need to address the budget concerns.
18- Round and round = In circles, without reaching a conclusion.
The conversation just went round and round without any clear decision.
19- Ins and outs = All the details or complexities of something.
She knows the ins and outs of the legal system.
20- Live and let live = Tolerate others’ differences.
I don’t agree with his views, but I believe in live and let live.
21- Alive and kicking = Still active and healthy.
Despite the rumors, the old factory is still alive and kicking.
22- Now and again = Occasionally.
I go hiking now and again when the weather’s nice.
23- Pros and cons = Advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
24- Forgive and forget = To move on and not hold a grudge.
It’s time to forgive and forget what happened last year.
25- Cut and dried = Clear and straightforward.
The decision was cut and dried, so there was no room for debate.
26- Short and sweet = Brief but pleasant or effective.
Her farewell speech was short and sweet.
27- Black and white = Clearly defined or easy to understand.
The rules are not always black and white; there are grey areas.
28- Chalk and cheese = Completely different.
My twin brothers are chalk and cheese in personality.
29- Few and far between = Rare or infrequent.
Job offers in this town are few and far between.
30- Safe and sound = Unharmed and secure.
Thankfully, they returned from the hike safe and sound.
31- High and low = Everywhere.
I searched high and low for my keys.
32- Long and hard = With great effort and duration.
She thought long and hard before accepting the offer.
33- Home and dry = Successfully completed.
Once we submit the final report, we’ll be home and dry.
34- Trial and error = Solving problems by experimenting.
I learned to bake bread through trial and error.
35- Day and age = Current time or era.
In this day and age, you need digital skills to succeed.
36- Tried and tested = Proven to be reliable.
That method is tried and tested, we’ve used it for years.
37- High and dry = Abandoned or left without help.
They pulled out of the deal and left us high and dry.
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 4 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 4, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 4 page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
