raise one’s eyes —(also: lift up one’s eyes) look upwards: When the door opened gently, he never raised his eyes—he was only conscious that someone entered the room. raise one’s sights—establish higher goals for oneself: She seemed content as a paralegal, but we thought she should raise her sights and get a law degree.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Raise dust and Raise the dust
raise dust—cause a cloud of dust to rise: The galloping horse raised dust out of the dried mud in the gateway to the wood. raise the dust— 1. = raise dust: Whirlwinds raised the dust to a great height and moved over the plain like water spouts at sea. 2. (also: make a dust) cause […]
Difference between Rain day and Rainy day
rain day—(Meteorolog y) a day on which the recorded rainfall is not less than 0.01 inch: In July the average number of rain days is only four per month. rainy day— 1. a day having much rain: West Mediterranean islands have cooled off and can have rainy days, but walking is still pleasant. 2. (in […]
Difference between Rail car and Railroad car
rail car—a self-propelled railroad vehicle designed to transport passengers: Railcars are often used on minor railway lines where passenger traffic is sparse. railroad car—a coach for passengers on a train: Persons who drink at a bar, ride in a railroad car, or visit the theater without charge, are called dead heads.
Difference between Ragged blue line and Thin blue line
ragged blue line—(U.S.) the Union forces (who wore blue uniforms) in the American Civil war: A ragged blue line of four infantry regiments on line and one in reserve moved across the open valley. thin blue line—(UK) the police; the protective power of the law: You’ve heard about the thin blue line that protects property […]
Difference between Radio net and Radio network
radio net—a system of intercommunicating radio sets (such as used by a police force, etc.): A re-broadcast system had been installed which allowed them to monitor the police radio net. radio network—a system of radio stations; a broadcasting organization: This concern to tailor the news to the listener has even spread to National Public Radio, […]
Difference between Quite a few and Quite a lot
quite a few—a considerable number: There are quite a few people with Spanish surnames around here. quite a lot— = quite a few: Quite a lot of people will telecommute daily to their London offices while living on a Pacific island.
Difference between Question of the hour and Question of time
question of the hour—currently the most debated issue: It is the living question of the hour, and not the dead story of the past, which forces itself into all minds. question of time—said of smth. that is thought certain to happen sooner or later: Baby-sitting having become firmly established, it was only a question of […]
Difference between Queen’s College and Queens’ College
Queen’s College—(UK) Oxford University: The ancient ceremony of serving up a boar’s head at Queen’s College was duly observed yesterday. Queens’ College—(UK) Cambridge University: The Library is open to all current members of Queens’ College and to old members and visiting scholars.
Difference between Qualify as something and Qualify for something
qualify as something—be described or characterized in a particular way: The ￡1 a week rise would not qualify as an exception to the nil norm laid down in the summer. qualify for something—have the right to smth.; be eligible for smth.: Students who do not qualify for the desired course may repeat the exam.
Difference between Put words into someone’s mouth and Take the words out of someone’s mouth
put words into someone’s mouth— 1. tell a person what to say: “So you refuse to explain?” she asked sharply. “Now don’t go putting words into my mouth, please,” Jean retorted. 2. suggest or claim falsely that a person has said smth.: Frank said fiercely: “She never said anything! You’re trying to put words in […]
Difference between Put up a good show and Put up a show
put up a good show—perform well; make a good effect: In the words of Osborne, who leads the raid, the important thing is to put up a “good show.” put up a show—(also: put on a show) display an outward appearance or semblance of smth.: I thought I was the only one who wasn’t brave—but […]