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Questions and Answers
What does the expression 'do or die' imply in a critical situation?
What does the expression 'do or die' imply in a critical situation?
Which of the following idioms suggests a gradual improvement?
Which of the following idioms suggests a gradual improvement?
What is a common emotional state described by the phrase 'bright and breezy'?
What is a common emotional state described by the phrase 'bright and breezy'?
Which idiom can be associated with a language learning experience?
Which idiom can be associated with a language learning experience?
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In the context of language, what does 'irreversible binomial' mean?
In the context of language, what does 'irreversible binomial' mean?
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What does the expression 'test and trace' refer to?
What does the expression 'test and trace' refer to?
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Which idiom suggests a strong positivity and readiness to face the day?
Which idiom suggests a strong positivity and readiness to face the day?
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What does the phrase 'keep calm and carry on' historically represent?
What does the phrase 'keep calm and carry on' historically represent?
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Which phrase is considered the most famous irreversible binomial?
Which phrase is considered the most famous irreversible binomial?
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What is a characteristic of alliterative phrases like 'test and trace'?
What is a characteristic of alliterative phrases like 'test and trace'?
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What does the expression 'chalk and cheese' refer to?
What does the expression 'chalk and cheese' refer to?
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In the phrase 'safe and sound', what does 'sound' imply?
In the phrase 'safe and sound', what does 'sound' imply?
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What is meant by 'part and parcel'?
What is meant by 'part and parcel'?
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What does the idiom 'live and learn' imply?
What does the idiom 'live and learn' imply?
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Why is 'the birds and the bees' considered a metaphor?
Why is 'the birds and the bees' considered a metaphor?
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What does the term 'and span' specifically mean?
What does the term 'and span' specifically mean?
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Which idiomatic expression is typically used to describe a comforting return home?
Which idiomatic expression is typically used to describe a comforting return home?
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What is the main reason alliterative irreversible binomials are favored in language?
What is the main reason alliterative irreversible binomials are favored in language?
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Which of the following best describes the expression 'do or die'?
Which of the following best describes the expression 'do or die'?
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Which expression reflects a situation where someone learns through experience?
Which expression reflects a situation where someone learns through experience?
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In what context would you likely use 'the birds and the bees'?
In what context would you likely use 'the birds and the bees'?
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What does it mean if something is referred to as 'part and parcel' in a job?
What does it mean if something is referred to as 'part and parcel' in a job?
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Which expression might you use to describe an unexpected piece of knowledge you've gained?
Which expression might you use to describe an unexpected piece of knowledge you've gained?
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What is the likely context when saying someone is 'safe and sound'?
What is the likely context when saying someone is 'safe and sound'?
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Study Notes
Alliteration in English
- Alliteration is a literary device where words that start with the same sound are used close together.
- Irreversible binomials are a type of idiomatic expression commonly found in English that use alliteration with two words starting with the same sound.
- Binomials are irreversible meaning they can only be said in one order (e.g., "safe and sound" not "sound and safe").
- Irreversible binomials survive over time because they sound good and are easy to remember
Example Irreversible Binomials
- Chalk and cheese: Used to describe two people or things that are very different.
- Safe and sound: Describes someone or something safe and unharmed after a potentially dangerous situation.
- Part and parcel: Describes an essential component of something.
- Live and learn: An exclamation used to express learning something new.
- The birds and the bees: A metaphor for sex, often used when discussing the topic with children.
- Spick and span: Means very clean or immaculate.
- Do or die: Describes a situation where a big risk must be taken to achieve success
- Slowly but surely: Describes a gradual but reliable improvement of something.
- Bright and breezy: Describes a person who is cheerful and full of positive energy.
- Test and trace: A scheme used in Britain to track the spread of COVID-19, involving testing for the virus and then tracing the origin of the infection.
Keep Calm and Carry On
- Keep calm and carry on is another famous example of alliteration used by the British government during WWII to encourage calmness and productivity.
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Description
Test your understanding of alliteration and its role in English idioms, especially irreversible binomials. This quiz will cover definitions, examples, and the significance of these literary devices. Explore how sound patterns enhance language and memory.
