Word Pairs Quiz
Instructions: Match words that naturally go together!
- 1.
Which word naturally pairs with 'bread' in a common English expression?
ACheeseBWaterCCakeDButter - 2.
Complete the common pair: 'salt and ___'?
AWaterBPepperCSugarDVinegar - 3.
Which word completes the pair: 'trial and ___'?
AJudgmentBJusticeCTribulationDError - 4.
Complete the word pair: 'pros and ___'?
AGainsBConsCLossesDWins - 5.
Which word pairs with 'black' in a common expression about injury?
ABlueBPurpleCWhiteDRed - 6.
Complete the pair: 'aches and ___'?
AHurtsBPainsCFeversDBreaks - 7.
Which word completes this pair: 'wear and ___'?
ARipBFadeCBreakDTear - 8.
Complete the word pair: 'nook and ___'?
ACreviceBCrackCCornerDCranny - 9.
Which word pairs with 'hue' in a common expression?
AShadeBCryCColorDTone - 10.
Complete the pair: 'part and ___'?
AParcelBPortionCPieceDPackage - 11.
Which word completes: 'wax and ___'?
APolishBMeltCShineDWane - 12.
Complete the pair: 'flotsam and ___'?
AWreckageBJetsamCSalvageDDebris - 13.
Which word pairs with 'beck' in an old English expression?
ANodBWhistleCCallDWave - 14.
Complete the word pair: 'vim and ___'?
AVerveBValueCVigorDVitality - 15.
Which word completes: 'kith and ___'?
AKindBKinCKingDKit
Answer Key
'Bread and butter' is one of the most common word pairs in English, referring both to the food and metaphorically to one's livelihood or basic source of income.
'Salt and pepper' is an inseparable word pair. These two seasonings have been paired together for centuries and the phrase is also used to describe a mix of black and gray hair.
'Trial and error' is a common word pair meaning a method of reaching a solution by trying various means and noting failures. It has been used in English since the 1800s.
'Pros and cons' is a standard word pair used when weighing advantages and disadvantages. It comes from the Latin 'pro et contra' meaning 'for and against.'
'Black and blue' is a common word pair describing the colors of a bruise. It has been used in English since at least the 13th century.
'Aches and pains' is a common word pair referring to various minor physical discomforts. The two words reinforce each other's meaning.
'Wear and tear' refers to damage that naturally occurs from ordinary use over time. It is commonly used in legal and insurance contexts.
'Nook and cranny' means every part or aspect of a place. A nook is a corner or recess, while a cranny is a small narrow opening or crack.
'Hue and cry' is a word pair meaning a loud public outcry. It originated in Anglo-Norman law, where it referred to the call for the pursuit of a criminal.
'Part and parcel' means an essential or integral component of something. The word 'parcel' here has the older meaning of 'part,' so the phrase is almost a redundancy for emphasis.
'Wax and wane' means to increase and decrease. Originally used to describe the phases of the moon, it now describes anything that fluctuates over time.
'Flotsam and jetsam' originally referred to maritime law: flotsam is wreckage found floating, while jetsam is cargo deliberately thrown overboard. Together they mean odds and ends or discarded items.
'Beck and call' means ready to obey someone's orders immediately. 'Beck' is an archaic word meaning a gesture of command, essentially a shortened form of 'beckon.'
'Vim and vigor' means energy and enthusiasm. 'Vim' comes from the Latin 'vis' meaning force or energy, while 'vigor' comes from the Latin 'vigere' meaning to thrive.
'Kith and kin' means friends and relatives. 'Kith' is an Old English word meaning acquaintances or friends, while 'kin' means family or relatives.