pear

and a partridge in a pear tree

A phrase used humorously at the end of a list, as in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." A: "Do you think you'll be able to remember everything?' B: "Oh sure, you just want me to pick up butter, eggs, shampoo, conditioner, bread, turkey burgers, and a partridge in a pear tree. Yes, I think I've got it."
See also: and, pear, tree

go pear-shaped

To fail or fall apart. What are we going to do this weekend if our plans go pear-shaped? Well, Molly's surprise party went pear-shaped once she accidentally found out about it.
See also: go

grow a pair

vulgar slang To start acting in a strong, confident, and/or courageous manner, especially after having previously failed to do so. The phrase is short for "grow a pair of balls (testicles)," but is not exclusively applied to males. Often used as an imperative. You need to grow a pair and ask your boss for a raise already! Janet, I know you're nervous about asking Tom out on a date, but just grow a pair and give it a shot!
See also: grow, pair

plant pears for your heirs

proverb Take action that will benefit your heirs. Pear trees traditionally took such a long time to yield fruit that one would plant them for the benefit of the next generation. You should look into setting up some sort of trust fund that will grow over time and help your children when you're no longer here. Plant pears for your heirs, as they say.
See also: heir, pear, plant
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go pear-shaped

BRITISH, INFORMAL
COMMON If a situation or activity goes pear-shaped, it starts to fail or have problems. We started well, but it all went pear-shaped and we lost five matches in a row. He is always asked to comment whenever the global economy goes pear-shaped.
See also: go
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

go pear-shaped

go wrong. informal
This phrase originated as RAF slang, as a humorously exaggerated allusion to the shape of an aircraft that has crashed nose first. Today, however, people probably assume it derives from the idea of a woman gaining weight on her hips.
1998 Spectator Unfortunately it all went pear-shaped because the programme to which I was going to peg my babblings…just wasn't interesting enough to sustain a whole review.
See also: go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go ˈpear-shaped

(British English, informal) if things go pear-shaped, they go wrong: Everything was going really well for Dave until the last week of the course, when it all went a bit pear-shaped and he failed an assignment. OPPOSITE: work/go like a dream
See also: go
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • and a partridge in a pear tree
  • how the mighty are fallen
  • how the mighty have fallen
  • as you do
  • a right one
  • believe it or not
  • bion
  • and I don't play one on TV
  • will wonders never cease
  • Wonders never cease!
References in periodicals archive
'Dublin Airport is continually working to improve the passenger experience and the new Happy Pear outlet will be a great addition for our customers,' said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison.
Dublin Airport Welcomes The Happy Pear To Terminal 1
As the September kick-off for Northwest pear season approaches, the organization will be promoting the shoppable technology through social media and newsletters in order to drive consumer awareness.
Pear Bureau Northwest Launches Shoppable Recipe Technology on Website
So whether you're looking to upgrade a certain piece of bedroom furniture, or wanting to completely refurbish your home, at Pear Mill there is an extensive range of furniture available for every room of the home.
Exclusive range of quality furniture for every room available at Pear Mill; ADVERTISING FEATURE BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO A ROOM WITH FURNITURE FROM PEAR MILL THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK
"Not only do pears taste great, but they are a perfect low-calorie addition to [any] diet when losing weight," says Lily, plus, "their high-fibre content means that this delicious sweet snack is great for keeping hunger at bay."
five reasons to... EAT PEARS BY NUTRITIONIST LILY SOUTTER
Pear Tree Primary School has been rated as Good at its most recent Ofsted inspection.
Cheshire East primary school ratings Pear Tree Primary School; Find out how Pear Tree Primary School rates compared to other primary schools in Cheshire East with our school ratings
POACHED PEARS IN PUFF PASTRY INGREDIENTS - serves 3
Pear up and go poaching; Enjoy fruit any time wrapped in puff pastry and covered with caramel
This growing trend, he said, has prompted the ministry to request the preparation of research by the commerce ministry on the prospects of selling prickly pears abroad.
Minister sees 'serious prospects' for prickly pear exports
Pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving.
Systematic Review Examines Potential Health Benefits of Pear Consumption
Caption: PEARS: AVERAGE WEEKLY DOLLAR SALES PER STORE BY REGION
PEARS: Sales were mostly down, with small pockets of growth
"However, the profits I make from selling the pears during summer reward me for the thorns that nestle in my hands as a result of removing their skins to offer the sweet fruit to the client."
One man's fruit is another man's thorns
Tunisia, Maamer said, may top the list of countries producing seed oil from prickly pear that promotes the development of tourist activities, in particular spa and thalassotherapy centres, and would disseminate a new image of Tunisia.
2017: year of promotion of seed oil of prickly pear
Bartlett is a very juicy pear that is very aromatic with a smooth texture
Quick and easy pear dishes
THE CLASSIC PEAR has a well-deserved reputation for luscious, even decadent sophistication.
The perks of pear trees: discover a fruit tree that pairs well with your country space and taste buds
Enticing cross-promotions, strategic retailer initiatives, and new products and packaging are bringing fresh energy to the pear category.
Ripe for Growth