a little from column A, a little from column B

Meaning

Noun

• A combination of two factors or reasons.

Related

Similar words

• a little from column A and a little from column B
• one from column A, one from column B

Origin

• Typical (stereotypical) "American Chinese" restaurant menus of the mid-twentieth century presented food selections for combination entrees in a table with columns labeled "A" and "B". The customer was then advised, for example, to "Choose one from Column A and one from Column B."