Fixed expressions

Binomial Pairs 1

100

sick and tired

1. extremely bored 
2. annoyed or frustrated with something or someone, to the point of losing one's temper or patience.

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200

by and large

1. mostly, generally; with few exceptions
2. usually, as a rule

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300

live and learn

Gaining knowledge from living experiences. Commonly used after an accident or misfortune to indicate a moral lesson.

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400

take it or leave it

It is said when a situation has to be accepted without change. 

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500

short and sweet

Pleasantly short 

not lasting a long time 

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Binomial Pairs 2

100

Rock and roll

Popular style of music from the 1950s

200

sooner or later

at some uncertain future time

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300

rules and regulations

Legislation or other binding provisions. 

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400

make or break

To be a crucial factor in determining the success of something 

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500

odds and ends

1a: miscellaneous articles

b: miscellaneous small matters (as of business) to be attended to

2: miscellaneous remnants or leftovers

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Binomial Pairs 3

100

safe and sound

free from danger or injury

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200

ups and downs

Alternating periods of good and bad fortune or spirits.

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300

more or less

1. approximately
2. (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

400

far and wide

To great lengths and distances. 

affecting many individuals or many localities.

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500

wear and tear

damage or depreciation resulting from ordinary use

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Expressions with animals 1

100

By the skin of your teeth

To just barely get by or make it. 

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200

like a bat out of hell

Very quickly or abruptly. 

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300

wild goose chase

a worthless hunt or chase. 

a futile pursuit.

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400

to sound fishy 

To seem suspicious of being improper,

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500

to have ants in your pants 

To be unable to sit still, due to anxiety, excess energy, or impatience. 

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Expressions with animals 1

100

eager beaver

someone who is very enthusiastic; someone who works very hard. (Possibly too much)

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200

to hold your horses

Wait a moment or be patient (often because you are moving too quickly or thoughtlessly). 

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300

to take the bull by the horns

To approach, confront, or deal with a problem or difficult situation directly 

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400

like water off a duck's back

without having any significant, lasting, or apparent impact on someone or something. 

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500

a different kettle of fish

Any issue or matter that is entirely different in scope, description, or nature from that which was just being discussed. 

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