pairs off
Splits into twos
Pairs off describes the process of forming couples or twosomes from a larger group.
People pair off at dances, animals pair off during mating season, and tournament brackets pair off competitors.
The phrase often implies a natural or gradual sorting: The guests paired off and found seats.
It can suggest romantic coupling: By the end of the semester, half the study group had paired off.
- two by twoPaired in sequence
- soulmateDeeply compatible life partner
- love matchMarriage for passion, not practicality
- duoTwo working together
- partnerOne who shares activity
dance partner · couple · lover · team · tandem · twosomes · companion · match · buddy · date · duality · coworker · bond · ally · spouse · colleague · union · collaborator
group formation
pairs offcongregates
Collects in one place
assembles · bands together · clusters · crowds together · masses