warp and woof

Definitions

1. The threads in a woven fabric, composed of the warp (threads running lengthwise) and woof (threads running crosswise) to create the texture of the fabric.
   countable, uncountable
2. The fundamental structure of any process or system.
   broadly, countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“The warp and woof of our lives, sensible, sensitive, a veritable 911, she was called upon whenever something went wrong.”

“He unconsciously uses the fitting word and phrase to designate the situation in which he finds himself, thus the fitting word and phrase, the well-chosen modifier and forcible verb become⟳ part of the warp and woof of his speech.”

“… the “manifest destiny” theory that justifies the stealing of all territory contiguous to our own⟳, and kindred topics, constitute the warp and woof of conversation.”

CEFR level