big house— 1. (UK) the principal house of an estate; the residence of the squire: Cattle sheds were at Thriepland Hill, while the “big house” and some other offices were at Branxton. 2. (U.S. sl.) a prison or federal penitentiary: I feel like a criminal who has been in a hideout, been caught, and has […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Big hand and Small hand
big hand—(usually in the phrase “give someone a big hand”) a large round of enthusiastic applause: The audience gave Jason a big hand at the end of the performance. small hand—said of a style of writing belonging to a particular person: The three folders with notebooks contained sheets carefully written in small hand. See also: […]
Difference between Big game and Large game
big game— 1. the larger animals, such as lions, etc.: For big game, Bushveld is that part of the Transvaal which the hunter must seek. 2. an important sport event: Believe it or not, the best players on your team get nervous before a big game. 3. an adventurous undertaking involving great risk and gain: […]
Difference between Big drink and Long drink
big drink—(U.S. sl.) the Atlantic ocean (also: big pond): When you’re [flying] over the big drink you really get to feel how tiny we humans are. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase big drink of water—(sl.) 1. a large body of water: Lake Michigan is a big drink of water; […]
Difference between Big dog and Big Grey Dog
big dog—(UK dated sl.) a man engaged to expel unruly persons from a saloon, etc.; a “chucker-out”: He was “big-dog” to a disorderly house, and when called upon … to turn out of the establishment those who had been robbed in it he did not do his spiriting gently. Note: The expression is not antonymous […]
Difference between “Big deal, a” and “Big deal”
big deal, a— 1. an important business transaction: My brother pulled off a big deal today. I think we’re going into business together. 2. said of smth. important: This attack alone may not be a big deal but in combination with others it has greater impact. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with […]
Difference between Big day and Long day
big day—a day on which important things happen: Today is going to be a big day for local athletes. long day— 1. a working-day of fairly lengthy duration: I made a very long day last Friday. 2. a day perceived as lasting unusually long (because it is boring, etc.): I was held up by storms […]
Difference between Biannual event and Biennial event
biannual event—an event that happens twice a year: The fair, also known as Canton Fair, has been a biannual event held in spring and autumn since 1957. biennial event—an event that happens once in every two years: This biennial event (home furnishings trade show) is held in the spring of odd-numbered years.
Difference between Beyond the bounds of something and Out of bounds to someone
beyond the bounds of something—beyond the limits of what is acceptable or possible: To acknowledge that the question is beyond the bounds of science, is to admit that science cannot explain everything. out of bounds to someone—said of an area not allowed to be visited by certain people: The police patrolled the bridges that gave […]
Difference between Beyond one and Beyond oneself
beyond one—beyond one’s power: It is beyond me to even propose an opinion on what should be implemented to resolve this issue. beyond oneself—overpowered with some strong feeling (also: beside oneself ): He was beyond himself with rage and could not keep his temper.
Difference between Beyond limits and Out of limits
beyond limits—beyond the bounds of what is usual or proper: The total lack of respect from the staff in this place was beyond limits. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase without limits—without restriction; to any extent or degree: If only the banks would lend money without limits! out of limits […]
Difference between Beyond it and Off it
beyond it—(also: past it) unable any longer to pursue a normally active life as when younger: Jackson is eighty, yet he still goes to business every day. Most people are beyond it long before that age. off it—(coll.) not feeling well: I shall hesitate before swallowing painkillers next time I feel off it and give […]