Word: Song and Dance
Definition:
The phrase "song and dance" can refer to two things:
1. It describes a theatrical performance that includes both singing and dancing.
2. It can also mean a long and complicated explanation or story, often seen as unnecessary or not believable, sometimes used as an excuse.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "song and dance" when talking about performances that involve music and choreography.
- Use it in a more figurative sense when referring to situations where someone is giving an elaborate explanation that feels exaggerated or not entirely true.
Examples:
1. Theatrical Performance:
- "The school play was a wonderful song and dance that entertained everyone."
(Here, it means a performance with both singing and dancing.)
Advanced Usage:
- In professional or casual conversations, "song and dance" can be used to criticize someone for being overly dramatic or not straightforward.
- Example: "I don’t need a song and dance; just tell me what happened."
Word Variants:
- Song (noun): A short musical composition with words.
- Dance (noun): A series of movements to music.
- Singing (noun): The act of producing musical sounds with the voice.
Different Meanings:
- "Song and dance" can be both literal (referring to performances) and figurative (referring to excuses or stories), so the meaning often depends on the context in which it is used.
Synonyms:
- For the theatrical meaning: "musical performance," "revue."
- For the figurative meaning: "excuse," "tall tale," "story."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs specifically tied to "song and dance," but related expressions can include:
- "Sing a different tune" (to change one's opinion or behavior).
- "Cut a rug" (to dance energetically).