X’s
X’s and O’s. (1) The game of tic-tac-toe (noughts and crosses in the UK). (2) An abbreviation for kisses and hugs.
Tables
Tables and chairs. A pair of necessities when setting up for a party or banquet.
A blessing
A blessing and a curse. Something that is both a benefit and a burden, or that may seem initially beneficial but also brings unforeseen negative consequences.
Ladies
Ladies and gentlemen. A phrase used to address an audience of both sexes.
Vim
Vim and vigor. (idiomatic) energetic spirit, zeal, vitality.
Odds
Odds and ends. (idiomatic) Miscellaneous things.
Macaroni
Macaroni and cheese. A savory dish made from cooked macaroni and cheese sauce.
Name
Name and address. Specific identifiable information used to describe or identify an individual or entity, and their specific location or contact point.
Rack
Rack and pinion. A pair of gears, consisting of a circular pinion that engages with the teeth of a flat bar, that converts rotational into linear motion; used in the steering mechanism of cars, and in some railways.
Ghosts
Ghosts and goblins. Supernatural creatures to avoid, especially at Halloween.
Hack
Hack and slash. (roleplaying games, video games, informal) Having a focus on violent combat rather than strategy.
Cake
Cake and ice cream. A food pairing that is de rigueur at children’s birthday parties.
Safe
Safe and secure. Free from harm, risk and danger.
Ebb
Ebb and flow. 1) The flowing out and in of the tide. 2) (figuratively) A large flowing out and in, or any waxing and waning of fortunes or activity.
Kibbles
Kibbles ‘n Bits. A brand of dog food since 1981.
Out
Out and about. (idiomatic) Engaged in day-to-day activities requiring travel.
Question
Question and answer. A type of informational session during which an individual or an audience asks questions and another individual or group answers them.
Dead
Dead and gone. (1) (idiomatic) Of an issue, moot, passed, irrelevant, forgotten. (2) (idiomatic) Of a project or plan, wholly dispensed with; never to be completed or revived.
Ice
Ice and snow. A possible winter weather forecast.
Wait
Wait and see. To await the course of events before taking action.
Again
Again and again. Repeatedly.
Back
Back and forth. From one place to another and back again.
Kippers
Kippers and custard. At one time, an exasperated or evasive British parent’s answer to a child’s question, “What’s for supper/tea?”
Yea
Yea and amen. 1) (Christianity) An enthusiastic agreement. 2. (colloquial) A submissive, uncritical and unquestioning agreement.
Up
Up and down. Upward and downward, alternately.
A curse
About
Address
Again
Amen
Answer
Bits
Chairs
Cheese
Custard
Down
Ends
Flow
Forth
Gentlemen
Goblins
Gone
Ice Cream
O’s
Pinion
Secure
See
Slash
Snow
Vigor
Correct!
Incorrect
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