song and dance
noun
1
: a musical performance that combines singing and dancing
—often used before another noun
choreographed a song and dance routine
a popular song and dance number
2
a
: a statement, explanation, etc. that seems rote or insincere
The salespeople did their usual song and dance.
… proceeded to engage in the same old song and dance about bringing more jobs and economic development to the area …—
Julie DiCaro
Julie DiCaro
c
: a tedious procedure or scenario : rigmarole
When you travel internationally, there's a whole song and dance of answering questions and declaring items you have to go through before re-entering the U.S.—Patrick Allan
Patrick AllanSynonyms of song and dance
Examples of song and dance in a Sentence
instead of simply denying our request, the mayor's representative gave us a song and dance about legal issues and municipal liability
Recent Examples on the Web
The Secret Comedy of Women is a two woman show that blends improv, sketch comedy, song and dance, audience participation, multimedia, and heartfelt storytelling.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
In Barnes’ case, the boots aren’t just for weekend wear or a short drag routine but need to endure eight shows a week of energetic song and dance performances.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Before long, smitten cast members, including Sarah Sherman and a cameraman wearing an I (Heart) Harry shirt who kept focusing on Styles, proved too much for Gosling, who called off a big song and dance number featuring most of the cast in silver space attire.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Not his first blockbuster deal This isn’t Gore’s first time doing the song and dance of being traded.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for song and dance
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Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
In Barnes’ case, the boots aren’t just for weekend wear or a short drag routine but need to endure eight shows a week of energetic song and dance performances.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Before long, smitten cast members, including Sarah Sherman and a cameraman wearing an I (Heart) Harry shirt who kept focusing on Styles, proved too much for Gosling, who called off a big song and dance number featuring most of the cast in silver space attire.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Not his first blockbuster deal This isn’t Gore’s first time doing the song and dance of being traded.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for song and dance
Cite this Entry
“Song and dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song%20and%20dance. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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