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 long and often familiar statement, explanation, etc. that is usually not true or pertinent
They gave the teacher the usual song and dance about leaving their homework at home.
… proceeded to engage in the same old song and dance about bringing more jobs and economic development to the area …Julie DiCaro
b
: fuss, to-do
For some years, those who know Portuguese wines well have made quite a song and dance about the cornucopia of wonderful grape varieties that are native to Portugal …Jane Hall
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On stage at the Parsons Theatre at Northglenn Arts, the actors help each other through song and dance, reinforcing the strength of the collective beyond any one lead. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 29 Apr. 2025 There’s this great song and dance scene, and there’s that beautiful set that’s these uplit buildings that are super deco. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 26 Apr. 2025 And most formulas are the same song and dance — but not Merit Beauty’s new Signature Sheer Lip Liner, which I was sent to try. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 But at those prices, grabbing a beer and giving into the song and dance that comes afterward is far easier to do. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for song and dance

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of song and dance was in 1613

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Cite this Entry

“Song and dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/song%20and%20dance. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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