be a steady hand—be not given to frivolity, eccentricity, etc.: Thomas is a steady hand, never late for business, never out of temper… have a steady hand— 1. have a firm hand, one not shaky: Mr. Peterson still has a steady hand, shaving himself twice weekly. 2. (usually of a leader) be firm and consistent […]
Difference between Be a standoff and Be standoffish
be a standoff—said of a situation in which the two sides in a conflict, etc. are equally matched or equally unyielding: There was a standoff for a few hours, while police spoke to the man urging him to give himself up. be standoffish—said of a person who is reluctant to show friendship or enter into […]
Close vs Dense vs Compact vs Thick
Close, dense, compact, thick are comparable when they mean having constituent parts (as filaments, particles, cells, or atoms) that are massed tightly together.
Difference between Champ at the bit and Chomp at the bit
Champ at the bit is the correct phrase. The expression, which means eager or impatient, refers to an excited horse biting (champing) its bit. Because of constant misuse, chomp at the bit is becoming more common. James champs at the bit when he sees the other soccer team take the field.
Close vs Near vs Nigh vs Nearby
Close, near, nigh, nearby are comparable both as adjectives and as adverbs when they mean not far (as in place, time, or relationship) from the point, position, or relation that is indicated or understood.
Difference between Be a sight for sore eyes and Be a sight to behold
be a sight for sore eyes—said of a person or thing one is pleased or happy to see: MacLaine is quite a sight for sore eyes when she shows up in the movie. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase be eye candy— 1. be visually attractive: We waited a little […]
Difference between Chalked full and Chock full
Chock full, meaning completely full, is the correct phrase. Of navel origin, the saying comes from the phrase chock-a-block, which refers to two blocks of tackle stuck together so tightly they can’t be tightened any further. The technician recommended a web site chock full of useful tools.
Difference between Be a queer fish and Be queer
be a queer fish —(also: be a queer bird) be an eccentric or odd person: He was a queer fish, but they were used to queer fish, and they took him for granted. be queer— 1. = be a queer fish: Every woman who steps forward to claim her rights faces the allegation that she […]
Close vs End vs Conclude vs Finish vs Complete vs Terminate
Close, end, conclude, finish, complete, terminate are comparable as transitive verbs meaning to bring something to a stopping point or to its limit, or, with the exception of complete, as intransitive verbs meaning to come to that point.
Difference between Chaise longue and Chaise lounge
Chaise longue is the correct phrase. The phrase is French for long chair with a back support and seat long enough to support outstretched legs.
Chafe vs Chaff
Chafe means to irritate or annoy something.
Difference between Be a natural and Be natural
be a natural— 1. be naturally deficient in intellect; be a halfwitted person: She is not quite a natural, that is, not an absolute idiot. 2. have natural talents that make smb. particularly suitable for a task: I’m not a natural. This present play is my last, I’ve decided. be natural—demonstrate behavior that is not […]