Crush, mash, smash, bruise, squash, macerate are comparable when they mean to reduce or be reduced to a pulpy or broken mass.
Difference between Be on one’s own ground and Stand on one’s native soil
be on one’s own ground—(also: be on home ground) 1. be in the area where one works or lives (with the implication that it makes a person feel confident and secure): Whenever possible he liked to make a point of talking to drug users on their own ground. 2. be competent in a subject because […]
Difference between Be on one’s last legs and Be the last leg
be on one’s last legs—be at the end of one’s resources and failing fast: At this point I was on my last legs … I would have loved nothing more than to have stopped for a rest. Cf.: need new legs —(also: need fresh legs) 1. be in need of rest: I think I need […]
Crowd vs Throng vs Press vs Crush vs Mob vs Rout vs Horde
Crowd, throng, press, crush, mob, rout, horde are comparable when they mean a more or less closely assembled multitude usually of persons.
Difference between Deference, Difference and Diffidence
Deference means courteous regard or respect. The young reporter showed deference to the famous anchor. Difference means a distinguishing characteristic or disparity. The difference is in how they present themselves to the public. Diffidence means reserved, shy, or lacking self confidence. Overcoming their diffidence may lead to better opportunities.
Difference between Defective and Deficient
Defective means faulty. The scanner’s defective circuit board can easily be replaced. Deficient means lacking completeness or a key ingredient. Tests proved her diet was deficient in calcium and magnesium.
Crooked vs Devious vs Oblique
Crooked, devious, oblique mean not straight or straightforward.
Difference between Be on home ground and Play away from home
be on home ground—(also: be on one’s own ground) 1. be in the area where one works or lives (with the implication that it makes a person feel confident and secure): I was sad to see Argentina lose on penalties. They were doing pretty well considering the Germans were on home ground. 2. be competent […]
Difference between De facto and De jure
De facto means actual. The de facto speed limit on a busy afternoon is only 50 m.p.h. De jure means as a matter of law or right. The maximum speed limit, de jure, is 65 m.p.h.
Criticize vs Reprehend vs Blame vs Censure vs Reprobate vs Condemn vs Denounce
Criticize, reprehend, blame, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce are comparable when they mean to find fault with someone or something openly, often publicly, and with varying degrees of severity.
Difference between Be on all fours and Hit on all four
be on all fours— 1. crawl on one’s hands and knees: Claud slipped through the hedge on all fours and I followed. 2. (coll.) correspond or harmonize with smth.: The railways maintain that conditions in Great Britain and America are not on all fours. hit on all four —(coll.) work most efficiently (also: hit on […]
Difference between Deductive and Inductive
Concerning types of reasoning: Deductive means to reason from the general to the specific (top-down approach). All people need water to survive; Bob is a person; Bob needs water to survive. Inductive means to reason from the specific to the general (bottom-up approach). Bob needs water to survive; Bob is a person; all people need water […]