pair well with

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe two things—most commonly food and drink—that complement each other perfectly, enhancing each other's flavors. While heavily used in gastronomy (such as matching wine with cheese), it can also be used metaphorically for design or aesthetics.

Examples

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with the grilled seafood.

  A crisp Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with the grilled seafood.

• The earthy flavors of wild mushrooms pair well with a rich risotto.

  The earthy flavors of wild mushrooms pair well with a rich risotto.

• Do you think this spicy curry would pair well with a sweet Riesling?

  Do you think this spicy curry would pair well with a sweet Riesling?

• Dark chocolate and raspberries pair well with each other in this dessert.

  Dark chocolate and raspberries pair well with each other in this dessert.

• These roasted root vegetables pair well with rosemary and thyme.

  These roasted root vegetables pair well with rosemary and thyme.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ This wine pairs good with the steak.

  ✓ This wine pairs well with the steak.

  'Pair' is a verb, so it must be modified by the adverb 'well', not the adjective 'good'.

• ✗ The cheese pairs well to the fruit.

  ✓ The cheese pairs well with the fruit.

  The correct preposition to use after 'pair' or 'pair well' is 'with'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• A full-bodied red wine will ___ the roasted lamb.

  💡 Complement the flavors of.

  Show answer

  pair well with

• Does this citrus dressing ___ the bitter greens?

  💡 Work nicely together with.

  Show answer

  pair well with