Abut against something—rest against the end part of something firmly. The posterior extrascapulars also abut anteriorly against this median bone, but without touching each other, so that the commissure does not cross the midline. Abut on something—(of a plot of land, etc.) border on something; lie next to something. Mexico abuts on some of the […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Absorbed by vs Absorbed with
Absorbed by something— 1. (of liquids or substances) soaked up by something. The chemical agent, whether it be mustard gas or nerve gas, can be absorbed by the skin. 2. (of people or things) incorporated into something. The surrounding villages have been absorbed by the growing city. Absorbed with something—(also: absorbed in something ) deeply […]
Absence of mind vs Presence of mind
absence of mind the mental state of preoccupation, which causes one to do smth. without realizing it. Through absence of mind he walked out of the shop and left his purchases on the counter. presence of mind mental alertness which enables one to act quickly in an emergency. With great presence of mind he grabbed […]
Absence from vs Absence in
absence from being temporarily away from a place. I have no one capable of acting for me in my absence from home. absence in 1. staying temporarily at some place. During my absence in France, I find that new words have been introduced into our parliamentary language. 2. lack or nonexistence in something. For Jane, a […]
Above suspicion vs Under suspicion vs On suspicion
Above suspicion too highly respected to be suspected of a crime or wrongdoing. He was a respected academic and above suspicion. Under suspicion considered as possibly guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. The police intercepted the traffic on the roads to examine vehicles under suspicion. On suspicion (arrest or detain somebody) on the ground of […]
Abide someone vs Abide with someone
Abide someone (negative) to dislike sb/sth so much that you hate having to be with or deal with them. I can’t abide people with no sense of humour. Abide with someone (literary) remain or stay with a person. If the American dream is to abide with us, it will, at bottom, depend on the people […]
Abide by something vs Abide something
Abide by something to accept and act according to a law, an agreement, etc. You’ll have to abide by the rules of the club. We will abide by their decision. Abide something (negative) bear or endure something. He couldn’t abide the thought of being cooped up in an office.
Abandon ship vs Give up the ship
Abandon ship 1. leave the sinking ship. The officers and crew prepared to abandon ship in an orderly fashion. 2. (also: jump ship) to leave an organization very suddenly before it is too late, especially when you think it is going to fail. The CEO abandoned ship just before the auditors were called in. Give […]
Zero hour vs Zero time
zero hour— 1. (Military) the exact time at which operations are to begin: Zero hour for the bombers to take off was midnight. 2. a crucial moment; critical time: On the day of the championship game, as the zero hour came near, the players grew nervous. zero time—(also: time zero) the time set as a […]
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown vs You’re a good one
you’re a good man, Charlie Brown—(U.S.) used as a compliment: Upon hearing the news, Logan slapped Xavier on the back and said, “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.” you’re a good one— 1. = you’re a good man, Charlie Brown: You are a good one, David, and I have appreciated our association over these past […]
Your actual vs Yours truly
your actual —(colloquial or humorous) said of the original or genuine person or thing: This ring wasn’t cheap, you know. It’s your actual gold. yours truly— 1. (humorous) me, myself, or I: He never graduated, but his business ability rivaled anyone’s, yours truly included. 2. (formal) written at the end of a letter, followed by […]
Young tartar vs Young turk
young tartar—(UK rare) a naughty boy; an obstinate person: We all know what a young tartar the Vole is when his sarcastic tongue is working. young turk—(UK) an aggressive person who has modern opinions and tries to change the old ways: They’ve put together a top-notch list of speakers, (which makes me wonder how a […]