There are some words that must of necessity be paired in order to achieve a desired meaning. The following are some of the words that go in pairs:
1. HIGH AND DRY.
Meaning: In difficult without help or money. E.g. The woman was left high and dry after her husband’s death.
2. BLACK ANDE BLUE.
Meaning: To hit somebody until he’s covered with bruises or sustains injuries. E.g. The fall from his horse left him black and blue all over.
3. HIGH AND MIGHTY.
Meaning: Superior in manner; arrogant. E.g. There is no need to be so high and mighty with me!
4. TOUCH AND GO.
Meaning: To be uncertain as to the result of something. E.g. Michael was so ill that it was touch-and-go whether she would live or not.
5. NOOK AND CRANNY.
Meaning: Everywhere; every part of a place. E.g. We combed every nook and cranny before we could find the missing document.
6. B Y AND BY.
Meaning: Before long; soon; later on. E.g. By and by he met his old friend who assisted him in completing his multi-million naira project.
7. BY AND LARGE.
Meaning: In general; generally speaking e.g. By and large, I agreed with my father on the matter.
8. NULL AND VOID.
Meaning: Having no legal force; not valid e.g. the court declared the contract null and void.
9. HALE AND HEARTY.
Meaning: Strong and healthy. E.g. the chief is 95 years old and he is still hale and hearty.
10. SAFE AND SOUND/WELL.
Meaning: Secure; protection from danger, e.g. The kidnapped politician was found safe and sound.
11. COMINGS AND GOINGS.
Meaning: Arrival and departure. E.g. With all the comings and goings of the visitors, the proprietor had not been able to collate the result.
12. KITH AND KIN.
Meaning: Friends and relations, e.g. Esther invited his kith and kin to his graduation ceremony.
13. FACTS AND FIGURES.
Meaning: Accurate and detailed information e.g. There is nothing we can do until we have the facts and figures.
14. BAG AND BAGGAGE.
Meaning: With all one’s possessions or belongings. E.g. The notorious thief left the village bag and baggage.
15. INS AND OUTS.
Meaning: The details and aspects of an activity or a procedure. E.g. Mr. Arthur knows the ins and outs of the job.
16. FLESH AND BLOOD.
Meaning: The human body or human nature with its emotions, weaknesses e.g. What happened to the landlord was more than what flesh and blood can bear.
17. P’S AND Q’S.
[TO MIND ONE’S P’S AND Q’S].
Meaning: To be careful about what one says or does e.g. I advise you mind your p’s and q’s in the office.
18. BREAD AND BUTTER.
Meaning: The way of earning one’s living; means of survival. E.g. My neighbor earns his bread and butter as a bricklayer.
19. BREAD AND WATER.
Meaning: The cheapest possible food. E.g. The boy lived on bread and water after the tragic death of his parents.
20. FAR AND WIDE/NEAR.
Meaning: Everywhere. E.g. The armed policemen searched far and wide for the missing gun.
