一…一…

1. (used with two nouns) all; the whole of

♦ 一生一世 one's whole life; all one's life

2. each; every; single

♦ 一言一行 every word and deed

3. (used with two verbs similar in meaning, to indicate two successive actions)

♦ 一瘸一拐 limping along

♦ 一蹦一跳 skipping and hopping

4. (used with two verbs contrasting in meaning, to indicate the coordination or alternation of the two actions)

♦ 一问一答 one asking and the other answering

5. (used with two words opposite in meaning, to indicate opposition or contrast)

♦ 一东一西 one east, one west; poles apart

♦ 一长一短 one short, one long