pair off

1. Put two persons together; also, become one of a couple, as in Jean mentally paired off her guests whenever she planned a party , or All the tennis players had to pair off for a round of doubles matches . [Late 1600s]

2. Also, pair up . Make a pair of, match, as in I always have trouble pairing up their socks . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Still, researchers say, people waiting longer to get married and being more selective about whom they pair off with can result in more stable marriages, contributing to a reduction in the divorce rate.

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As waiters in white coats circled with trays of shrimp cocktails, sliders, French fries and champagne, partygoers paired off in corners.

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Tiger Woods was in the third pairing off the tee after shooting his worst round in a major, a 10-over 82 on Saturday.

Read more on Seattle Times

Circumstances change — people pair off, have children, choose lives that seem at odds with the dreams of youth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Two of them have already paired off, their knees touching in the corner.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adjust 
• harmonize 
• offset 
• readjust 
• stabilize 
• weigh