warp and woof

Noun

warp and woof (countable and uncountable, plural warps and woofs)

1. The 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. (figuratively) The fundamental structure of any process or system.
   • … 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

   Synonyms:

   foundation