be quit of someone—be free or rid of a person: “On the whole,” she continued thoughtfully, “it would be much better if he died. I mean, I’d feel more finally quit of him.” be quits with someone—be even with smb. by repaying a debt or by means of retaliation: He was quits with all the […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be put up against the wall and Be up against the wall
be put up against the wall—said of smb. about to be executed by shooting: His appeal was turned down…. The day came round and he was put up against the wall to be shot. be up against the wall—(also: have one’s back against the wall) have run out of options; be pushed to the last […]
Difference between Be put into execution and Be put to execution
be put into execution—(also: be carried into execution) be carried out: The plan was put into execution and this was the beginning of the manufacture of woolen fabrics. be put to execution—1. = be put into execution: The plan was put to execution, and the group of three moved down, alongside of the rocky wall. […]
Difference between Be poorly and Be poorly off
be poorly—be feeling unwell: “Kate, your mistress is poorly this morning, and prefers you not go in to her.” “Poorly? Oh, but sir, she will want her tea…” be poorly off—have very little money: Many of the Africans who came here as refugees more than a decade ago are still poorly off.
Difference between Be pleased with oneself and Please oneself
be pleased with oneself—be much satisfied with what one does: He was very pleased with himself after he had passed his driving test. please oneself—do whatever one likes, without having to obey others: We don’t have to be back by a certain time; we can just please ourselves.
Difference between Be over someone’s head and Hang over someone’s head
be over someone’s head—(also: be above someone’s head) said of smth. too difficult to understand: I bought a handful of photographic magazines and when I got home to read them, I found they were completely over my head. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be in over one’s head—be involved […]
Difference between Be out of the woods and Take to the woods
be out of the woods—(often negat.) be finally free from trouble or difficulties (also: be out of the wood): The Prime Minister is by no means out of the woods, and must fight to defend his leadership. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase come out of the woodwork—appear as though out […]
Difference between Be out of the ball park and Knock it out of the ball park
be out of the ball park—(coll.) 1. be not close to the correct amount or number: Their budget “estimates” are out of the ballpark and too high in my opinion. 2. be beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable or possible: The project makes sense only with those recommendations, otherwise, it is out of the […]
Difference between Be out of spirits and Lose all spirit
be out of spirits—be dejected or depressed: I was out of spirits at the thought of leaving all my family and friends for so long a time. lose all spirit—lose courage or confidence: The lad had been so badly treated, that he had lost all spirit.
Difference between Be out of one’s brain and Have brains
be out of one’s brain—(sl.) be very drunk (also: be out of one’s scull): By the time I arrived at the party he was out of his brain. have brains —(coll.) be very smart and intelligent: Don’t be fooled by her pretty appearance alone, this girl has brains to match!
Difference between Be oneself and Be oneself again
be oneself—behave in a way that is natural, especially in contrast to the affected manner: I wish you wouldn’t act the sophisticated lady. You’re far nicer when you are just being yourself. be oneself again—be in one’s normal condition of mind and body after an illness, emotional stress, etc.: After such a long illness, it’s […]
Difference between Be one too many and Have one too many
be one too many —(coll.) be more than a match for a person: I venture to prophesy that, between us, we shall be one too many for the Colonel. have one too many —(coll.) take more alcohol than one can drink: The man was a little tipsy; it looked like he had had one too […]