be in murky waters—said of a confused situation where people may behave in morally questionable ways: Patton is now trying to continue running the government without the benefit of a budget. This puts him in murky waters…. Cf.: muddy the waters—make the situation less clear: Announcements that parts of this or that sector are to […]
Difference between Coup de grâce and Coup de gras
Coup de grâce, meaning a decisive event, is the correct phrase. If they are defeated today, it could be their coup de grâce.
Difference between Be in luck and One’s luck is in
be in luck—be lucky about smth. on this one occasion: You’re in luck—the very car you want has just come in. one’s luck is in—enjoy a period of good luck: I think I’ll put some money on the next race, while my luck is in.
Contend vs Fight vs Battle vs War
Contend, fight, battle, war come into comparison when they mean to strive in opposition to someone or something.
Contemptible vs Despicable vs Pitiable vs Sorry vs Scurvy vs Cheap vs Beggarly vs Shabby
Contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy, cheap, beggarly, shabby are comparable when they mean arousing or deserving scorn or disdain.
Difference between Country and Nation
A country is a piece of land or area and the home of certain people. A nation is a body of people associated with a particular area or territory.
Difference between Be in heaven and Be in the skies
be in heaven —(of dead people) be in the heavenly kingdom and celestial paradise: I know that Angela, who is now in heaven and wonderfully happy, forgives him, and I forgive him too. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase drop from heaven—(also: drop from the skies) appear unexpectedly as if […]
Difference between Councilor and Counselor
A councilor serves on a council, and a counselor offers counsel and advice.
Difference between Be in Dutch with someone and Go Dutch with someone
be in Dutch with someone —(dated) be in trouble or disfavor with a person: Maybe Barn will fire me when he knows I’m in Dutch with his family. go Dutch with someone—share the cost of a meal, drink, etc. with a person: Although going Dutch is un–Korean, many young Koreans do go Dutch with their […]
Contemporary vs Contemporaneous vs Coeval vs Coetaneous vs Synchronous vs Simultaneous vs Coincident vs Concomitant vs Concurrent
Contemporary, contemporaneous, coeval, coetaneous, synchronous, simultaneous, coincident, concomitant, concurrent are comparable when they mean existing, living, or occurring at the same time.
Difference between Be in deep waters and Do a deep dive
be in deep waters —(also: be in deep water) be in trouble or serious financial difficulties: Spence inspected the books and realised the mining company was in deep waters with the falling copper prices. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be too deep for someone—be too difficult or complicated for […]
Contaminate vs Taint vs Attaint vs Pollute vs Defile
Contaminate, taint, attaint, pollute, defile mean to debase by making impure or unclean.