In English, idioms and phrasal verbs often use the conjunction “and.” Here are 20 common collocations that will help you understand and use them effectively in everyday conversations.
1. Back and forth
Meaning: To and fro
Example: They walked back and forth nervously.
2. Give and take
Meaning: Mutual compromise
Example: Marriage requires a lot of give and take.
3. Pros and cons
Meaning: Advantages and disadvantages
Example: Consider the pros and cons before deciding.
4. Safe and sound
Meaning: Unharmed
Example: She returned home safe and sound.
5. Hustle and bustle
Meaning: Busy activity
Example: The hustle and bustle of city life.
6. Hit and run
Meaning: Fleeing accident scene
Example: The driver was involved in a hit and run.
7. High and dry
Meaning: Abandoned
Example: They left him high and dry.
8. Odds and ends
Meaning: Miscellaneous items
Example: She packed all the odds and ends.
9. Far and wide
Meaning: Everywhere
Example: His fame spread far and wide.
10. Down and out
Meaning: Destitute
Example: He was down and out after losing his job.
11. Thick and thin
Meaning: All situations
Example: Friends stick together through thick and thin.
12. Wear and tear
Meaning: Damage from use
Example: The car showed signs of wear and tear.
13. To and fro
Meaning: Back and forth
Example: The boat rocked to and fro.
14. Make or break
Meaning: Crucial
Example: This project will make or break his career.
15. Part and parcel
Meaning: Essential part
Example: Stress is part and parcel of the job.
16. Law and order
Meaning: Public safety
Example: The police maintain law and order.
17. Down and out
Meaning: Poor and homeless
Example: He ended up down and out on the streets.
18. Give and take
Meaning: Compromise
Example: Every relationship needs some give and take.
19. Trial and error
Meaning: Experimentation
Example: They learned through trial and error.
20. Short and sweet
Meaning: Brief and clear
Example: Her speech was short and sweet.
