Binomial Expressions in Language — bigwords101

A binomial is a mathematical expression consisting of two terms: x + y is a binomial. 3 x 7 is a binomial.

There are also binomials in language, and they are basically the same. A binomial comprises two words that go together in an idiomatic expression, such as up and down.

Binomials in language have these characteristics:

1. They are usually connected by a conjunction, generally and, but there are exceptions: black and white, but coffee or tea, sad but true, step by step  
2. They are generally the same part of speech, usually both nouns or both adjectives, but not always: bread and butter (nouns); black and white (adjectives); in and out (adverbs).
3. They are idiomatic: The two words go together as a single unit of meaning, even though each of the words can be used on its own. 
4. The order of the two words is significant. The expression sounds weird if the two words are reversed: butter and bread; out and in; clear and loud.

Here are some binomial expressions. Can you think of more?

All or nothing – either full success or total failure

Back and forth – moving in one direction and then the opposite repeatedly

Bacon and eggs – breakfast

Bits and pieces – small things or parts

Black and white – clearly defined, with no ambiguity

Bread and butter – main source of income or basic needs

Bright and early – very early in the morning

By and large – generally speaking

Come and go – appear and disappear repeatedly

Cut and paste – computer instruction

Dos and don’ts – rules or guidelines

Down and out – very poor or defeated

Fast and furious – very much so

First and foremost – most important

Flesh and blood – close family or basic humanity

Give or take – approximately; more or less

Give and take – mutual compromise

Ham and eggs

High and dry – left without help or support

High and mighty – arrogant or overconfident

In and out

Law and order – a well-organized society following rules

Life and death – very serious or critical situation

Live and learn – learning through personal experience

Loud and clear – very clear and easy to understand

More or less – approximately

Now and then – occasionally

Odds and ends – miscellaneous things

Out and about – active or going from place to place

Over and out – done speaking

Peace and quiet – calm and without stress or distractions

Pick and choose – select freely from among many options

Pros and cons – advantages and disadvantages

Ready and willing – ready to go

Right and wrong – clear moral choices

Rise and fall – growth followed by decline

Rough and ready – not perfect, but good enough

Safe and sound – unharmed and secure

Salt and pepper – spices, hair color

Sick and tired – extremely annoyed or fed up

Sink or swim – succeed or fail without help

Skin and bones – extremely thin

Short and sweet – brief but pleasant

Step by step – gradually, one stage at a time

Sweet and sour – flavor

Touch and go – uncertain or risky situation

Trial and error – learning by trying and failing

Trials and tribulations – problems, challenges

Wait and see – be patient and observe what happens

Wear and tear – damage from regular use