BINOMIALS There are many idiomatic pairs usually with the linking word of and in English. There are pairs of adverbs, pairs of nouns and identical/prepositional pairs, as well as pairs of adjectives and pairs of verbs used as set phrases or idiomatically.

EXAMPLES It's impossible to get any peace and quiet in this house with you two arguing all the time. She puts body and soul into her work with the girl guides. She is an inspired leader. peace and quiet = a period of quiet and calm, often with: have/get/enjoy some body and soul = physical and mental energy, as in: put body and soul into

EXAMPLES You'll risk life and limb if you decide to go white-water rafting after such heavy rainfall. I know this hotel isn't very good, but all the better accommodation is taken, so we'll just have to grin and bear it. life and limb = risk death or serious injury, as in: risk life and limb grin and bear it = put up with something unpleasant because it cannot be changed

EXAMPLES I've asked him politely already. Surely he doesn't want me to bow and scrape. He was ranting and raving about the price of everything in Britain. Why doesn't he go and live abroad, if he's unhappy? bow and scrape = show too much respect to someone rant and rave = protest or complain in a loud and excited manner

EXAMPLES I could see a number of houses scattered here and there over the hillside. How often do you see her now? ~ Every now and again. Not as regularly as I used to. here and there: to or in several places now and again: occasionally

EXAMPLES Why don't you get a job that pays more? ~ First and foremost because I really enjoy the job I'm doing. I'll try and keep this short and sweet. I know you don't want to stay here longer than you need to. first and foremost: most importantly short and sweet: not too complicated, as in a speech, often with keep/make it

EXAMPLES Oh, I'm so glad to have you back home safe and sound. I was beginning to get worried about you. I'm sick and tired of hearing your excuses. It's about time you did an honest day's work. safe and sound: not harmed at all sick and tired: extremely annoyed with someone, often with of hearing/listening

EXAMPLES You needn't go on and on about needing a holiday. I know we haven't had a break for over a year now. I've told you again and again to stop swearing in front of the children, but you take no notice on and on: without pausing or stopping, usually with go again and again: repeatedly

EXAMPLES We're not making any progress by arguing like this. We're just going round and round in circles. My head's beginning to go round and round All in all, it was a successful holiday in spite of some scary moments. round and round: moving in circles or spinning, usually with go all in all: taking everything into consideration

EXAMPLES How are you getting on now? ~ Oh, up and down, as usual. I have good days and bad days. Little by little his heath improved and he was able to walk further and further each day. little by little: gradually or slowly

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