What does “Boxing and coxing” mean?

"Boxing and coxing" means to alternate between two conflicting roles or positions.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's constantly boxing and coxing between his job and his side business.

Example

The politician is known for boxing and coxing between different political ideologies.

Example

She's been boxing and coxing between her desire to travel and her commitment to her job

Is “Boxing and coxing” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Boxing and coxing” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Boxing and coxing” effectively in context?

You can use "Boxing and Coxing" to describe someone who is constantly alternating between two conflicting roles or positions. It emphasizes the idea of being torn between two choices or responsibilities. For example, if a friend is struggling to balance their work and personal life, you might say, 'He's constantly boxing and coxing between his job and his family.'

1Work-Life Balance
She's been boxing and coxing between her desire to travel and her commitment to her job.
2Politics
The politician is known for boxing and coxing between different political ideologies.
3Multiple Responsibilities
He's constantly boxing and coxing between his job and his side business.

Similar phrases to “Boxing and coxing”:

Torn between

To be undecided or conflicted between two choices or options

Example

She's torn between pursuing her passion for art and following a more stable career path.

Pulled in two directions

To feel torn or conflicted between two opposing forces or responsibilities

Example

He feels pulled in two directions between his family's expectations and his own dreams.

Walking a tightrope

To navigate a difficult situation or balance conflicting interests

Example

The CEO is walking a tightrope between satisfying shareholders and meeting the needs of employees.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Boxing and coxing” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Boxing and Coxing" is unknown.

Is “Boxing and coxing” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Boxing and Coxing" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in specific contexts where there is a clear conflict or struggle between two roles or positions.

What tone does “Boxing and coxing” have?

"Boxing and Coxing" conveys a tone of conflict and indecision. It suggests that the person using this phrase is torn between two choices or responsibilities and is finding it difficult to make a decision or find a balance.

Can “Boxing and coxing” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "boxing and coxing" is relatively informal and may not be suitable for very formal settings. It is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's constantly boxing and coxing between his job and his side business.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to do some "boxing and coxing"!' to imply the need to juggle multiple responsibilities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

juggling
balancing
alternating
toggling
swinging back and forth