Ready, set, go!
• bag and baggage = with all your possessions.
Mary got tired of living with her boyfriend so she decided to move, bag and baggage.
Mary got tired of living with her boyfriend so she decided to move, bag and baggage.
• bits and pieces = small things.
I didn't hear everything he said, just some bits and pieces.
I didn't hear everything he said, just some bits and pieces.
• body and soul = physical and mental energy.
Jim loves learning a new language, he puts body and soul into it.
Jim loves learning a new language, he puts body and soul into it.
• bread and butter = way of earning money to live.
Thomas doesn't have much money, he earns his bread and butter as a teacher.
Thomas doesn't have much money, he earns his bread and butter as a teacher.
• bricks and mortar = property, buildings.
If you want to invest your money, I would advise you to put it into bricks and mortar.
If you want to invest your money, I would advise you to put it into bricks and mortar.
• give and take = compromise.
We can reach an agreement with a bit of give and take from both sides.
We can reach an agreement with a bit of give and take from both sides.
• hustle and bustle = hurried activity.
I don't like living in the city centre, it's all hustle and bustle.
I don't like living in the city centre, it's all hustle and bustle.
• ifs and buts = excuses.
No ifs and buts, just finish your work and then you can go to play with the computer.
No ifs and buts, just finish your work and then you can go to play with the computer.
• odds and ends = small things.
I'm almost done, but there are still some odds and ends I have to deal with.
I'm almost done, but there are still some odds and ends I have to deal with.
• part and parcel = part.
All those info programs are part and parcel of a campaign to destabilize the government.
All those info programs are part and parcel of a campaign to destabilize the government.
• rack and ruin = in bad conditions.
This is a nice neighborhood, but it's a shame that these buildings are going rack and ruin.
This is a nice neighborhood, but it's a shame that these buildings are going rack and ruin.
• stuff and nonsense = foolish things.
Oh, no, he was not fired! That's all stuff and nonsense!
Oh, no, he was not fired! That's all stuff and nonsense!
• touch and go = close to success and failure at the same time.
After the accident, he's in a critical situation, the doctor said it's touch and go.
After the accident, he's in a critical situation, the doctor said it's touch and go.
• ups and downs = good and bad moments.
Don't panic, in a married couple there are always ups and downs.
Don't panic, in a married couple there are always ups and downs.
• wear and tear = deterioration.
Go change those clothes! Those can't stand any more wear and tear!
Go change those clothes! Those can't stand any more wear and tear!
Exercises:
1. In every relationship there's some---------------------------------- .
2. Before I leave, let me get all my---------------------------- .
3. Working irregular hours is all---------------------- of being a doctor.
4. Sheila doesn't have much on his desk, just a few--------------------------- .
5. It was ---------------------------- whether the ambulance would get there on time.
6. The old house was left to go to-------------------------------- .
7. Before you leave, please check all your equipment for---------------------------------- .
8. They threw her out of the house,-------------------------------------------
Just like our last set, Ill make sure to post answers tomorrow!