English idiom

bits and bobs

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a mixed group of small, unrelated items or leftover pieces

Word picture

Separate bits and small leftover pieces are pictured gathered into one miscellaneous collection.

Example

“I packed a screwdriver, some string, and a few other bits and bobs for the trip.”

Dictionary details

Tags

quantity

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

every last

all members or items in a group, with no exceptions at all

cost the earth

to be extraordinarily expensive

far and away

By a very large margin, especially when one option or person clearly surpasses the rest.

few and far between

rare and separated by long intervals or distances

for good measure

as an extra addition beyond what is strictly necessary

go overboard

to do more than is reasonable, appropriate, or necessary

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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