Topic: BICYCLES, CARTS, HORSES
 |
| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | paire, from Latin paria 'equal things', from par; PAR |
| |||||||||
pair1 S2 W2
plural pairs or pair [countable]
plural pairs or pair [countable]1 an object that is made from two similar parts that are joined together
joined together
2 two things of the same type that are used together earrings, £5 a pair a pair of skis We have five pairs of free tickets to give away.
belonging together
earrings, £5 a paira pair of skisWe have five pairs of free tickets to give away.4 two people who are standing or doing something together, or who have some type of connection with each other [↪ couple]: The pair are looking for sponsorship from local businesses.
two people
The pair are looking for sponsorship from local businesses. pair of a pair of dancers
! Do not use pair to talk about a husband and wife (or two people in a similar relationship). Use couple: They're such a nice couple (NOT pair).a pair of dancers5 used when you are angry or annoyed with two people : Oh, get out, the pair of you.
the pair of you/them
British English spokenOh, get out, the pair of you.6
two animals
a) HBA a male and a female animal that come together in order to breed
pair of a pair of doves a breeding pair
a pair of dovesa breeding pairb) old useDSHTTB two horses that work together
7 used to say that you are busy and cannot do any more than you are already doing
I've only got one pair of hands
spoken8 someone who helps you do something when you are busy : Having an extra pair of hands during busy periods can take the pressure off.
an extra pair of hands
Having an extra pair of hands during busy periods can take the pressure off.9 someone you can trust and depend on because they are sensible - used especially in news reports : Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands.
a safe pair of hands
Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands.