a boon and a bane

Something that is both good and bad at once. We're short-staffed right now, so all this work we've gotten lately is both a boon and a bane It's sweet that my parents showered the kids with gifts on Christmas, but we can't fit any more toys in their playroom, so it's both a boon and a bane. Running is both a boon and bane for me—the endorphins are great, but I really feel my old knee injury the next day.

a boon or a bane

Something that is either good or bad. All this work is either a boon or a bane—we'll find out which when we see if the workers can keep up with it all. All these toys from my parents will prove to be a boon or a bane depending on how much the kids fight over them. Running is usually a boon or a bane for me—I love the endorphins, but I sometimes really feel my old knee injury the next day.

ace boom-boom

One's close friend. Oh, I'm sure he invited Dave—that's his ace boom-boom. It's always great to spend time with my ace boom-boom! A: "How's Stu these days? Isn't he your ace boom-boom?" B: "He is, but I haven't talked to him in a few weeks because he's been traveling for work."

boon companion

One's close or closest friend, especially someone with whom one enjoys spending time or sharing activities. My wife and I are also boon companions—we do everything together! Because we grew up right next door to each other, we've been boon companions since we were kids. Carly's my boon companion, so I can tell her anything.

boon or bane

Something that be may either good or bad, depending on context. All this work could be either boon or bane—we'll find out once we see if the workers can keep up with it all. Residents in the region are still waiting to find out if the new tax proposal will prove boon or bane. If we take a loan from your dad, will it be boon or bane? Like, yeah, we'll be able to buy a house sooner, but is he going to guilt us about taking his money?

ace boom-boom

and ace boon-coon

n. one’s good and loyal friend. (Black. Ace boon-coon is not as common as the first entry and is objected to because of coon.) Hey girlfriend, you are my ace boom-boom. Where is my old ace boon-coon, bro?

boon

in. to leave the road in a car for the boondocks. Tom has a four-wheel-drive so we can really boon!

boon companion

A favorite friend, a convivial associate. Now on its way to obsolescence, the adjective “boon” comes from the French bon, for “good,” and has meant “jolly” since the twelfth century. As for the pairing with “companion,” several sources cite the Roman epigrammist Martial, who wrote nulli tefacias nimis sodalem, which has been translated as “to no man make yourself a boon companion.” The association with drinking was made explicit by John Arbuthnot (The History of John Bull, 1712): “A boon companion, loving his bottle and his diversion.”