big dog—(UK dated sl.) a man engaged to expel unruly persons from a saloon, etc.; a “chucker-out”: He was “big-dog” to a disorderly house, and when called upon … to turn out of the establishment those who had been robbed in it he did not do his spiriting gently. Note: The expression is not antonymous […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between “Big deal, a” and “Big deal”
big deal, a— 1. an important business transaction: My brother pulled off a big deal today. I think we’re going into business together. 2. said of smth. important: This attack alone may not be a big deal but in combination with others it has greater impact. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with […]
Difference between Big day and Long day
big day—a day on which important things happen: Today is going to be a big day for local athletes. long day— 1. a working-day of fairly lengthy duration: I made a very long day last Friday. 2. a day perceived as lasting unusually long (because it is boring, etc.): I was held up by storms […]
Difference between Biannual event and Biennial event
biannual event—an event that happens twice a year: The fair, also known as Canton Fair, has been a biannual event held in spring and autumn since 1957. biennial event—an event that happens once in every two years: This biennial event (home furnishings trade show) is held in the spring of odd-numbered years.
Difference between Beyond the bounds of something and Out of bounds to someone
beyond the bounds of something—beyond the limits of what is acceptable or possible: To acknowledge that the question is beyond the bounds of science, is to admit that science cannot explain everything. out of bounds to someone—said of an area not allowed to be visited by certain people: The police patrolled the bridges that gave […]
Difference between Beyond one and Beyond oneself
beyond one—beyond one’s power: It is beyond me to even propose an opinion on what should be implemented to resolve this issue. beyond oneself—overpowered with some strong feeling (also: beside oneself ): He was beyond himself with rage and could not keep his temper.
Difference between Beyond limits and Out of limits
beyond limits—beyond the bounds of what is usual or proper: The total lack of respect from the staff in this place was beyond limits. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase without limits—without restriction; to any extent or degree: If only the banks would lend money without limits! out of limits […]
Difference between Beyond it and Off it
beyond it—(also: past it) unable any longer to pursue a normally active life as when younger: Jackson is eighty, yet he still goes to business every day. Most people are beyond it long before that age. off it—(coll.) not feeling well: I shall hesitate before swallowing painkillers next time I feel off it and give […]
Difference between Between maid and Go-between
between maid—(UK dated) a young girl servant who helps in cooking and housework: She saved money for the voyage by working as a “between maid” in the London home of a “titled lady.” go-between—smb. acting as a messenger or intermediary between two parties: Beginning in the seventies, he was a gobetween for Western arms manufacturers […]
Difference between Between dog and wolf and Between hawk and buzzard
between dog and wolf—is used of the time of twilight: The thought of dinner … drove out the eeriness of the twilight glen. The hour between dog and wolf was passing. between hawk and buzzard— 1. facing equally bad or undesirable alternatives: “We are between hawk and buzzard,” said Livingston; “we puzzle ourselves between the […]
Difference between Between a rock and a hard place and Between wind and water
between a rock and a hard place—facing equally bad or undesirable alternatives: His client was between a rock and a hard place—actually the state of New York and his landlord. between wind and water—said of the most vulnerable part: Mallinson must have guessed what was coming. Nevertheless, it hit him between wind and water.
Difference between Bet on the wrong horse and Put the saddle on the wrong horse
bet on the wrong horse—(also: back the wrong horse) base one’s plans, etc. on a wrong guess about smth.: To count on the family farm as an important thing in the American future looks like betting on the wrong horse. put the saddle on the wrong horse —(also: get the wrong pig by the tail) […]