be on the verge of something—be on the point beyond which smth. bad happens: The country was on the verge of ruin; the revolution was a matter of months. verge on something— 1. border on a particular area: The rear of the park verges on the river. You can see the railroad bridge downstream…. 2. […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be on the top line and Sweat on the top line
be on the top line —(coll.) be in the highest state of perfection, readiness, etc.: It cannot be but harmful to the patient to be attended by a doctor who through sheer exhaustion is not on the top line. sweat on the top-line —(sl.) be close to attaining or obtaining smth.: Here was I sort […]
Difference between Be on the side of the angels and Join the angels
be on the side of the angels—be on the side that is morally right: His motivation to stop whaling is on the side of the angels and I share it. join the angels—(euph.) die: They were all children once. One day, sooner or later they will all join the angels beyond the garden of death.
Difference between Be on the sick and Be sick
be on the sick —(coll.) be on sick list; receive sickness benefit: Dad used to be on the sick for a long time and couldn’t work. be sick— 1. be unwell; be affected by illness: When she was sick he wanted her to get the best doctor. 2. (have an inclination to) vomit: “Ouch!” said […]
Difference between Be on the mend and Mend one’s ways
be on the mend— 1. be getting better after illness: He has been on the mend under the excellent care by his wife Phyllis. 2. (of things) improve: The economy has been on the mend since the data in the report was gathered. mend one’s ways—improve one’s behavior, work, etc.: He is unlikely to mend […]
Difference between Be on the look-out for something and Look out for something
be on the look-out for something—be watchful wishing to find or acquire smth.: Restaurant manager Jose Padilla is always on the look-out for something new for his customers. look out for something—(also: watch out for something ) 1. be on the alert for smth. harmful or dangerous: There were signs everywhere warning people to look […]
Difference between Be on the hop and Go on the hop
be on the hop —(coll.) 1. be very busy: I’d been on the hop ever since morning, for being in love with Anita was a strenuous calling. 2. play truant; stay away from school, etc.: Remember that day I was on the hop from school? I went down to the city that day… go on […]
Difference between Be on the fiddle and Fiddle about
be on the fiddle —(sl.) be involved in illicit money-making activities: As it was day-time, everyone in the coffee bar was on the dole or on the fiddle. fiddle about—(coll.) mess about or waste time: I’ve been fiddling about for ages trying to get the windscreen washers to work properly.
Difference between Be on pins and needles and Have pins and needles
be on pins and needles —(coll.) be in the state of agitated expectancy: We had been on pins and needles all day long until we received her telegram. Note: a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be on one’s pins—(coll.) be on one’s feet; be in good health: When I came […]
Difference between Be on overtime and Be over one’s time
be on overtime—work after the usual working hours: The men stayed locked up for two hours until their boss agreed they would repair the faulty central heating immediately—on overtime. be over one’s time—(of a woman) be late in menstruating (the usual implication being that of unwanted pregnancy): “A fine father and mentor you are. Don’t […]
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 […]