be cut out for the work—be entirely suited for some work or activity: There’s no better way to tell if you’re cut out for the work than hands-on experience. one’s work is cut out for one—(also: have one’s work cut out for one) have a lot of work to do; have a hard task ahead: […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be crowded out of something and Crowd out of something
be crowded out of something— 1. be forced out of premises for lack of room: They were crowded out of the room, but sat in the next peering in at the door eagerly. 2. be ousted from an office, market, etc.: Low-skilled adults are often crowded out of their jobs as better-educated teenagers are drawn […]
Difference between Be crashed out of something and Be crushed out of something
be crashed out of something—fail to perform well enough to stay in a competition: India’s hopes of getting a further gold went up in smoke when Gopichand was crashed out of the men’s quarter-finals. be crushed out of something—be ousted of a business, etc.: Rockefeller would approach oil companies with two choices: either sell their […]
Difference between Be content with something and Content oneself with something
be content with something—be satisfied with smth.; be willing to accept smth.: The questionnaire results showed that 98 percent of students were “content” with their housing situation. content oneself with something—be satisfied with just one thing and not bother with other things: She hadn’t said much but had contented herself with smoking cigarettes and smiling.
Difference between Be clear about something and Be in the clear over something
be clear about something—understand smth. completely: Let us be clear about this: the pirates of 1964, like the pirates of old, are simply out after money. be in the clear over something—be out of a difficulty or trouble caused by smth.: Is the Government in the clear yet over the composition of the committee?
Difference between Be carried away by something and Be carried off by something
be carried away by something—become eager or enthusiastic about smth.: Roosevelt was carried away by the thought of another large relief project. be carried off by something—(euph.) be killed (by a disease): Unhappily he never got to the Tradition meeting, he had been carried off by a heart attack.
Difference between Be canned and Be in the can
be canned—(U.S. sl.) be expelled or dismissed from one’s employment: When the coach was fired, some said he was canned for siding with John. be in the can—(sl.) 1. (of a movie, etc.) be finished and ready: The scene was “in the can” after twenty-five retakes. 2. (U.S.) be in prison: I know that he […]
Difference between Be bothered about someone and Bother oneself about someone
be bothered about someone—be concerned about smb.; worry about a person: I am bothered about Freda, she is out so late again. bother oneself about someone—concern oneself with smb.; preoccupy oneself with a person: Please don’t bother yourself about my brother. I’ll take care of him.
Difference between Be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth and Get the wooden spoon
be born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth—be born into a rich family: He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and probably never had to work a day in his life. get the wooden spoon—be the last in a sporting event or other competition: Previous City Councilor got the wooden spoon—with […]
Difference between Be blind to something and Turn a blind eye to something
be blind to something—be unable to see or consider what is going on around one: She had been deaf and blind to everything except what had passed between them. turn a blind eye to something—pretend not to see smth.; overlook smth. deliberately: The police turn a blind eye to this problem because they are only […]
Difference between Be beyond the law and Go beyond the law
be beyond the law—be out of the reach of the law: The sick criminal was arrested at night, but by morning he was beyond the law; he had died in the night. go beyond the law—be guilty of some criminal offence: To thrash the man yourself is to go beyond the law; he may deserve […]
Difference between Be best at something and Be the best at something
be best at something—be more skilled and capable in one particular area relative to others: He excels at most of the subjects taught here, although he is best at chemistry. be the best at something—be much superior to other people in a particular area: Mrs. Hough is the best at making children feel at home […]