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Does a pair always means '2 of something' or can it be used more generically to indicate 'a few of something'? What is the exact amount indicated by 'a pair'?

Is there a different meaning whether a pair is used in formal or in informal language?

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    That is a not a full question. Kindly post a full question. You might want to visit the HELP section to see what questions to avoid.
    – Lambie
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 20:44
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    A special case is when one "unit" consists of two similar parts: a pair of glasses, scissors, shoes, gloves, dice, etc.
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 20:44
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    Removed comment for James: Wouldn't you say "I bought two pairs of pants" rather than "... two pants"?
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 20:57
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    It is idiomatic, depending on geography. Asking for the "exact meaning" without providing minimum research is off-topic.
    – Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 21:10
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    Related: What does “a couple” mean to you, and what does “a few” mean to you?
    – Laurel ♦
    Commented Mar 22, 2022 at 0:56

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The OP is asking whether "a pair" can signify more than two things. Generally speaking it cannot but there will always be the odd exception; however, for now none come to mind.

The term couple is less fixed:

I'd like a couple of oranges, please.

This can suggest any number of oranges between two and four.

But a pair (of) will nearly always be two of something that are parallel to each other. They will look identical to each other and will be used together.

  • A pair of scissors/ glasses/ gloves/ socks/ shoes and so on.
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  • However, a pair of parakeets or a pair of (matching) vases signifies two items, whereas a pair of glasses, etc. signifies one item.
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 21:02
  • And what about a pair of shoes? It doesn't mean one shoe. "They make a nice pair" can be said of two people in love too.
    – Mari-Lou A
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 21:03
  • Correct. However, I think there is a difference. You need to say "two (pairs of) scissors" to get two.
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 21:05
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    This reminds me of the shoe store sign "Buy one, get one free."
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Mar 21, 2022 at 21:11

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