Idiom

odds and sods

noun phrase B2

UK /ˌɒdz ən ˈsɒdz/

US /ˌɑdz ən ˈsɑdz/

Meanings

noun phrase

A miscellaneous mixture of small items, often leftovers or clutter.

noun phrase

A collection of various small tasks or minor matters that need dealing with.

Definition

Odds and sods are a mixed collection of small, unimportant, or leftover items.

Odds and sods means a random mixture of small things that do not belong together, often leftovers or bits and pieces. It is commonly used in British English when talking about clutter, miscellaneous items, or small tasks. People use it when they cannot easily categorize everything in the group.

Examples

I spent the afternoon sorting through odds and sods in the cupboard.
The spare room has become a dumping ground for odds and sods.
We packed the suitcase with odds and sods we might need on the trip.
She keeps a box of odds and sods under the bed for emergencies.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use odds and sods to mean “advantages and disadvantages,” but it actually means miscellaneous small items or minor bits and pieces.