warp and woof

plural warps and woofs · alternative warp and weft

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

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

   2001, Ellen Perry Berkeley, Simi Berman, At Grandmother’s Table: Women Write about Food, Life and the Enduring Bond Between Grandmothers and Granddaughters, page 85

   3 more examples

   … 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.

   1857, Hinton Rowan Helper, The Impending Crisis of the South: How to Meet It, page 406

   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.

   1907, National Education Association of the United States, Addresses and Proceedings, page 496

   Honoria Lyddiard: I'll say good day. DCI Tom Barnaby: I'm sorry? Lyddiard: I'm a Lyddiard, as is my late brother's wife. Our name is woven into the very warp and woof of England. Above reproach. Pursue your inquiries elsewhere. DS Gavin Tony: Warp and what? Barnaby: Woof.

   1998 March 29, Anthony Horowitz et al., “Written in Blood”, in Midsomer Murders

   Synonyms: foundation