English idiom

odds and ends

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a collection of small, miscellaneous items, especially things left over

Word picture

Odd pieces and loose ends are pictured gathered together without forming one matched or complete set.

Example

“The top drawer was full of spare keys, batteries, and other odds and ends.”

Dictionary details

Component words

odds

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

bits and bobs

a mixed group of small, unrelated items or leftover pieces

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

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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