odds and ends

American  

noun

1. miscellaneous items, matters, etc.

2. fragments; remnants; scraps; bits.

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odds and ends British  

plural noun

1. miscellaneous items or articles

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odds and ends Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of odds and ends

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Turning the odds and ends of vegetables—peels, stems, bruised bits—into a fragrant stock that makes even weeknight soup feel luxurious.

From Salon

In contrast to a designer, a tinkerer must, Jacob argued, manage with odds and ends.

From The Wall Street Journal

She earned about $200 a week from the stand and used the money to help buy groceries and odds and ends for the children.

From Los Angeles Times

About eight years ago she launched a series of Instagram videos in which she whips up meals using leftovers and other odds and ends she finds in her fridge.

From The Wall Street Journal

During the last week of his first term, reporters — myself included — witnessed his staff walking out with all sorts of odds and ends, including but not limited to paintings, other art work and office furnishings.

From Salon