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
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 AllanExamples 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 association wanted to create a program that would be entertaining to a local audience by inviting performers from outside the Village to demonstrate both traditional and contemporary song and dance numbers.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025
In 1989, singer/dancer/actor Gregory Hines co-presented with Sammy Davis Jr., the top song and dance man of a previous generation.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025
Once the Israelites were safe, Miriam, Moses' sister, led a group of women in gleeful song and dance.
—Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
The warmth between the three leads is believable and although the tendency to have Lane, Bomer and Graham break into choreographed song and dance routines for episodic climaxes quickly feels lazy, a cold open homage to Chicago produced my biggest laugh of the 10-episode season.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for song and dance
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Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025
In 1989, singer/dancer/actor Gregory Hines co-presented with Sammy Davis Jr., the top song and dance man of a previous generation.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025
Once the Israelites were safe, Miriam, Moses' sister, led a group of women in gleeful song and dance.
—Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025
The warmth between the three leads is believable and although the tendency to have Lane, Bomer and Graham break into choreographed song and dance routines for episodic climaxes quickly feels lazy, a cold open homage to Chicago produced my biggest laugh of the 10-episode season.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
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 1 May. 2025.
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