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backwards and forwards
2-
back and forth
3-
sooner or later
4-
pros and cons
5-
more or less
6-
now and again
7-
(every) now and then
8-
on and off
9-
law and order
10-
safe and sound
11-
sick and tired
12-
odds and ends
13-
bits and pieces
backwards and forwards
phrase
uk flag
/bˈækwɚdz ænd fˈoːɹwɚdz/
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repeatedly in two opposite directions

back and forth
back and forth
Adverb
uk flag
/bˈæk ænd fˈɔːɹθ/

repeatedly going in one direction and then in the opposite direction

Grammatical Information:

adverb of place and movement
sooner or later
phrase
uk flag
/sˈuːnɚɹ ɔːɹ lˈeɪɾɚ/

eventually, particularly after a long delay or dispute

pros and cons
phrase
uk flag
/pɹˈoʊz ænd kˈɑːnz/
Collocation

the positive and negative elements, arguments, outcomes, etc. of something

more or less
phrase
uk flag
/mˈoːɹ ɔːɹ lˈɛs/

used to indicate a rough estimate without precise measurements or exact figures

now and again
now and again
phrase
uk flag
/nˈaʊ ænd ɐɡˈɛn/

on occasions that are not regular or frequent

(every|) now and then
(every) now and then
phrase
uk flag
/ˈɛvɹi nˈaʊ ænd ðˈɛn/

on irregular but not rare occasions

on and off
phrase
uk flag
/ˌɑːn ænd ˈɔf/

not regularly

law and order
phrase
uk flag
/lˈɔː ænd ˈɔːɹdɚ/

a state of society where laws are followed, and public safety is maintained

safe and sound
safe and sound
phrase
uk flag
/sˈeɪf ænd sˈaʊnd/
Idiom

not damaged or injured in any way

What is the origin of the idiom "safe and sound" and when to use it?

The idiom "safe and sound" has its origin in Middle English. This phrase is often used to express relief or reassurance after a potentially risky or dangerous situation, such as returning home from a journey or finding something or someone thought to be lost. It can also be used metaphorically to convey emotional well-being or security.

sick and tired
sick and tired
phrase
uk flag
/sˈɪk ænd tˈaɪɚd/
Idiom
Informal

annoyed or disgusted by someone or something one has been dealing with for a long time

What is the origin of the idiom "sick and tired" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "sick and tired" can be traced back to the 16th century. The word "sick" in this context means weary or fed up, while "tired" means exhausted or fatigued. This idiom is used in various contexts to express profound frustration or weariness with a particular situation, person, or ongoing circumstances. This idiomatic expression is commonly used in personal conversations, informal settings, and even in written or spoken expressions of discontent.

odds and ends
odds and ends
phrase
uk flag
/ˈɑːdz ænd ˈɛndz/
Idiom
Informal

various small things that have no importance or value

What is the origin of the idiom "odds and ends" and when to use it?

The idiom "odds and ends" has been in use since at least the 17th century and likely originates from the idea of miscellaneous or leftover items being a collection of various "odds" (unmatched or irregular items) and "ends" (small fragments or remnants). This phrase is used to refer to a collection of small, miscellaneous, or unrelated items or things. It is used to imply that these items are not part of a larger, organized whole and may be of varied importance or value.

bits and pieces
bits and pieces
phrase
uk flag
/bˈɪts ænd pˈiːsᵻz/
Idiom
Informal

jobs or things that are different in type and small either in size, number, or significance

What is the origin of the idiom "bits and pieces" and when to use it?

The idiom "bits and pieces" is a common idiom that likely originated from the natural human tendency to use the words "bits" and "pieces" to describe small, fragmented, or scattered items or fragments. This expression is often used when discussing various components or fragments without specifying each individual one, conveying the idea of a mixture of small things.

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