pair (redirected from pairing off)

*candidate for a pair of wings

Euph. someone who is likely to die; someone who is close to death. (Jocular. *Typically: be ~; look like ~.) Whenever Jane wants to cross the street, she just walks out into traffic without looking. She's a candidate for a pair of wings, I say. Tom: How's Bill doing? I heard he was sick. Jane: Not good, I'm afraid. He looks like a candidate for a pair of wings.

See also: wing

another pair of eyes and a fresh pair of eyes

Fig. another person to examine something closely in addition to anyone previously. As soon as we can get a fresh pair of eyes on this mansuscipt, we will find the last of the typos.

See also: another, eye

pair off

[for two people or other creatures] to form a couple or pair. All of them paired off and worked as teams to solve the puzzle. Everyone should pair off and discuss the issue for a while.

pair up (with someone)

to join with someone to make a pair. Sally decided to pair up with Jason for the dance contest. Sally and Jason paired up with each other.

See also: up

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a safe pair of hands  (British & Australian)

someone who you can trust to do an important job well without making mistakes He's what this troubled club needs, a good, solid manager, a safe pair of hands.

See also: hand, safe

have a [fine/good etc.] pair of lungs  (humorous)

if you say that a baby has a good pair of lungs, you mean that they can cry very loudly Well she's got a fine pair of lungs, I'll say that for her!

See also: have, lung

show somebody a clean pair of heels  (British)

to go faster than someone else in a race Butler showed them all a clean pair of heels as he raced for the finishing line.

See also: clean, heel, show