Odds and ends?

[Oddy]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #720 "Real Life: Common Word Pairs in North America (1)", question 5

I had to take care of some odds and ......... today. It felt like I was running around all day.

(a) ends
(b) ears
(c) evens
(d) toads

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #720 "Real Life: Common Word Pairs in North America (1)", answer 5

I had to take care of some odds and ends today. It felt like I was running around all day.

Correct answer: (a) ends

Your answer was: incorrect
I had to take care of some odds and evens today. It felt like I was running around all day.
_________________________

would it possible to explain more since both of the words are characteristic of the numbers unless those ysed together as an idiom.

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Oddy. Odds and ends refers, in this instance, to a number of small jobs or duties that have to be given attention. Not important things, but necessary to be done.

Like writing a letter, weeding the garden, washing the car ... things of that nature.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Skrej]

I'm not sure of the etymology of this idiom, but I suspect it may also be related to two other idioms. Even if it's not related, I think these two other idioms will help clarify the meaning of 'odds and ends".

"to do odd jobs" -to do minor tasks or small jobs
"tie up loose ends" - complete unfinished tasks or business.
_________________
Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
***
Did you hear they arrested the Energizer Bunny on battery charges?
***

[Kitosdad]

Odds and ends in another context could refer to sorting out your personal belonging prior to throwing out the various odds and ends that you no longer need.

Pens, photos, ..........................single socks. :) :) Always turn up those.
_________________
Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.