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 […]
Deserve vs Merit vs Earn vs Rate
Deserve, merit, earn, rate mean to be or become worthy of something as recompense whether by way of reward or punishment.
Difference between Drowned and Drownded
Drowned is the correct word.
Difference between Downward and Downwards
Downward is preferred in American usage.
Descend vs Dismount vs Alight
Descend, dismount, alight mean to get or come down from a height.
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. […]
Derogatory vs Depreciatory vs Depreciative vs Disparaging vs Slighting vs Pejorative
Derogatory, depreciatory, depreciative, disparaging, slighting, pejorative mean designed or tending to belittle.
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 Downfall and Drawback
Downfall refers to the destruction of something. The Russian Revolution led to Czar Nicholas II’s downfall. Drawback refers to a flaw or problem of some kind. Their plan to camp there had one drawback: too many gnats.
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.
Depress vs Weigh vs Oppress
Depress, weigh, oppress mean to put such pressure or such a load upon a thing or person as to cause it or him to sink under the weight.
Difference between Down the pike and Down the pipe
Down the pike is the correct phrase. It means something is going to happen. The Pike was originally a huge entertainment area at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Fair goers would commonly say, There’s always something new coming down the Pike.