aches and pains
phrase · Collocation / phrase C1
Plain meaning
minor pains in different parts of the body
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means minor pains in different parts of the body, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalThe discussion gave us a useful example of aches and pains.
examPolicy makers must consider aches and pains when evaluating long-term social and economic outcomes.
Common collocations
aches and painsa clear example of aches and painsuse aches and pains appropriately
Watch out
Do not change the key word order in “aches and pains”; collocations sound natural because the words travel together.