odds and ends

noun

1. miscellaneous items, matters, etc.
2. fragments; remnants; scraps; bits.

odds and ends

plural noun

1. miscellaneous items or articles

Word History and Origins

Origin of odds and ends¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Idioms and Phrases

Miscellaneous items, fragments and remnants, as in I've finished putting everything away, except for a few odds and ends . This expression may have originated as odd ends in the mid-1500s, meaning “short leftovers of some material” (such as lumber or cloth). It had acquired its present form and meaning by the mid-1700s.

Example Sentences

The studio was cluttered with art, vinyl records, dumbbells and other odds and ends.

From New York Times

They can accomplish several odds and ends on your to-do list and often tackle work other contractors deem too small.

From Seattle Times

The floor is covered with piles of odds and ends, and it’s unclear which are prized possessions and which are trash.

From Los Angeles Times

If you have a lot of odds and ends in the fridge, think about making a flexible, inexpensive dish that makes good use of bits and bobs of various foods.

From Washington Times

Only here, Shiv and Roman make a disgusting smoothie made of rotten odds and ends from Caroline's miserly fridge – "a meal fit for a king," they claim.

From Salon