be in the wrong—act in a way not morally justifiable: In all questions between a government and an individual, the presumption is that the government is in the wrong. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be in the wrong box—(UK coll.) be in a wrong position and so in difficulty […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be in the wind and Hang in the wind
be in the wind— 1. (also: be in the air) be rumored or suspected: Everyone in the industry knew that a change was in the wind. 2. (sl.) be alcohol intoxicated: I am not in the wind … for you see I’m perfectly sober. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase […]
Difference between Be in the swim and Swim with the stream
be in the swim—have interest or active role in modern life and social activities: The need to be in the swim—up to date—might not have been the least of our driving forces for general progress. swim with the stream—(also: float with the stream) act as the majority of people do; behave in a conventional way: […]
Difference between Be in the same boat and Sail in the same boat
be in the same boat—(also: be in the same box) be in the same, usually unfavorable, position: When John told her how poor he was she said that she was in the same boat. sail in the same boat—act together; make common cause with a person: If I were you I wouldn’t sail in the […]
Difference between Be in the running and Make the running
be in the running—compete for smth. such as fame, smb.’s affections, etc.: A month before Joyce married Hal, three of Joyce’s boy friends seemed to be still in the running. Cf.: be out of the running—fail to achieve success as a contender: Halliburton is now out of the running for bids on lucrative construction contracts. […]
Difference between Be in the race and Make the race
be in the race— 1. compete for smth. such as public office, etc.: Morris Udall, the “liberal-progressive” spear carrier, will have to win to stay in the race. 2. (negat.) not have a chance of winning or obtaining smth.: A few years ago he wouldn’t have been in the race to own a car like […]
Be in the club vs Join the club
be in the club —(coll.) become pregnant (also: be in the pudding club): When the doctor told me I was in the club I told him he was daft—that I’d never—well, you know. join the club— 1. (also: join the crowd) is used to tell that one has already had a similar, usually unfavorable, experience: […]
Difference between Be in the clouds and Be on cloud seven
be in the clouds —(also: be in the skies) be given to daydreaming; not act according to the realities of life: I’m so practical, a little too solid perhaps, while you are, and always will be, in the clouds. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase drop from the clouds—(also: drop […]
Difference between Be in stitches and Not have a stitch on
be in stitches —(coll.) be laughing noisily and deeply: We were in stitches! You’ll be in stitches too when you see him on the stage! not have a stitch on—have no clothes on: Little Tommy spent most of the time running around the pool with not a stitch on.
Difference between Be in someone’s shoes and Fill someone’s shoes
be in someone’s shoes—be in smb.’s usually unfortunate situation: I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes when he finds out that you have deceived him. Cf.: walk a mile in someone’s shoes—used to imply that one has to experience life from another person’s perspective to truly understand him: “You never really know a man […]
Difference between Be in someone’s blood and Run in someone’s blood
be in someone’s blood—act as an essential factor for smb.’s character and life style: Although my music is not specifically about Tanzania, I feel its influence because it’s in my blood. run in someone’s blood—be typical of a person’s family or ancestors: Tiger training runs in his blood. His grandfather trained tigers, and his uncles […]
Difference between Be in progress and Make progress
be in progress—be done or made; be under way: Discussions were in progress for “an aerobus” to provide cheap travel for large numbers. make progress—advance or develop towards a better state: As the days went along, I found myself perking up a bit. I seemed to be making progress.