cast someone off —(also: cast someone away) abandon one’s friend, lover, etc.: When he grows tired of a woman, he just casts her off like an old coat. cast someone out—expel a person from an association or society: All he really wanted was revenge on a society that has cast him out.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Cast a shade over something and Cast something into the shade
cast a shade over something —(also: cast a shade on something ) have a damaging effect on smth. such as a person’s reputation, relationships, etc.: Nor would he do one act for worlds, that could cast a shade over the fame and honor. cast something into the shade —(also: throw something into the shade) make […]
Difference between Cast a long shadow over something and Cast a shadow over something
cast a long shadow over something—exert a very strong influence on smth.: Helmut Kohl cast a very long shadow over German politics, even after his defeat at the polls in 1998. cast a shadow over something —(also: cast a shade over something) have a damaging effect on smth. such as a person’s reputation, relationships, etc.: […]
Difference between Cash in on something and Cash in something
cash in on something— 1. make a profit on smth.: Steve cashed in on the farmland he picked up dirt-cheap. 2. take advantage of smth.: Japan’s diplomats are now trying to “cash in on” the opportunities which its soldiers have created. cash in something—exchange smth. for the amount of money it is worth: The shares […]
Difference between Carry water in a sieve and Pour water into a sieve
carry water in a sieve—do futile work: It doesn’t look like I’ve accomplished a thing. I might as well have been carrying water in a sieve. pour water into a sieve— 1. = carry water in a sieve: It is of no more use to give advice to the idle than to pour water into […]
Difference between Carry someone off his feet and Get someone on his feet
carry someone off his feet—(also: sweep someone off his feet) affect a person with overwhelming enthusiasm: It was small wonder that this beautiful woman carried him off his feet. get someone on his feet—(also: set someone back on his feet) cure a person: It was difficult when they made me sit up in bed…. Over […]
Difference between Carry out an execution and Do execution
carry out an execution—carry out punishment by death on a person: Colleagues fear her killing was an extrajudicial execution carried out by the security forces. do execution—(dated, of weapons) have a massive destructive effect: The schooners opened a heavy cannonade upon the enemy, which did great execution.
Difference between Carry one’s weight and Carry weight
carry one’s weight—do one’s share of the work: We can rearrange our workload anyway we want. Bottom line—we are all going to have to carry our weight. Cf.: carry the weight of the world on one’s shoulders—be burdened with too many problems: He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. That’s bound to […]
Difference between Carry one’s age and Hold the age
carry one’s age—look well for one’s age: O’donnell found satisfaction in the thought that the other man didn’t carry his age as well as he himself did. hold the age—(U.S. coll.) be in a position of control because one has greater power (also: have the age): How could I talk when he was talking? He […]
Difference between Carry on at someone and Carry on with someone
carry on at someone—complain noisily to a person: He was carrying on at me in a most unpleasant way. carry on with someone—flirt with smb.; have an affair with a person: I heard she was carrying on with a married man.
Difference between Carry-on (UK) and Carry-on (U.S.)
carry-on (UK)—(coll., also: carrying-on) annoying unwise or overexcited behavior: We were all engaged for a radio version of Hamlet…. I had never realized the incredible carryon connected with these productions. carry-on (U.S.)—(also: carry-on baggage) luggage that can be carried aboard an aircraft, bus, or train: I always take some cigars in my carry-on and pack […]
Difference between Carry light and Carry the torch
carry light—elucidate or clarify smth.: Arguments which carry light have their effect, even against an opponent who shuts his eyes. Note: a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase hold the spotlight—be in the center of attention: Pegi held the spotlight with compelling songs, a lovely voice and charming personality. b) The […]