put cash on the barrelhead—(also: lay cash on the barrelhead) pay money at the time of the transaction: There was a time when, if a person got sick, he went to his trusted family doctor, and put cash on the barrelhead. put cash on the line —(also: lay cash on the line) allocate money; make […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Put an idea into someone’s head and Put ideas into someone’s head
put an idea into someone’s head— 1. make a person think of smth.: They put an idea into my head. How about having an auction at my party? 2. give smb. undesirable or harmful notions: My dear old boy, what can have put the idea into your head that Europe is against us? put ideas […]
Difference between Put a spoke in someone’s wheel and Put in one’s spoke
put a spoke in someone’s wheel—said of an action which is likely to hold back a person or proceeding: I have never hinted to Quennebert all the nasty little ways in which you have tried to put a spoke in his wheel. put in one’s spoke—attempt to give advice, or have some say, in a […]
Difference between Put a question to someone and Put someone to the question
put a question to someone—ask a person about smth.: I have been trying to put this question to the general for the last year or two—even succeeding in planting it in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. put someone to the question—(dated) subject smb. to torture as a means of obtaining confession: “Did he confess […]
Difference between Put a pistol to one’s head and Put a pistol to someone’s head
put a pistol to one’s head—commit suicide; shoot oneself: I’m blowed if I don’t put a pistol to my head, and end it, Mrs. Johnson. put a pistol to someone’s head—use threats to force a person to do smth. (also: hold a pistol to someone’s head): Last time he signed his contract after prolonged negotiations […]
Difference between Put a bee in someone’s bonnet and Put a bug in someone’s ear
put a bee in someone’s bonnet—give a person a compulsive idea that may seem excentric or odd: Mayoral candidate Marcic says his campaign has “put a bee in his bonnet” about public drinking and it is an issue he will pursue. put a bug in someone’s ear—(also: put a flea in someone’s ear) give a […]
Difference between Pussyfoot around and Tomcat around
pussyfoot around—avoid committing oneself; proceed evasively or cautiously: I think it’s great that Randi actually speaks his mind and doesn’t pussyfoot around to appease others. tomcat around—pursue women promiscuously: If he really, really, loved you he wouldn’t be tomcatting around. He wants to have a bit on the side and not go through the divorce…
Difference between Push someone’s buttons and Push the panic button
push someone’s buttons —(also: press someone’s buttons) draw a strong emotional reaction, especially anger, from a person: He knew how to push my buttons better than anyone else but I kept my cool. push the panic button—(also: press the panic button) overreact to a stressful situation: Everybody is concerned but I don’t think anybody ought […]
Difference between Push oneself and Push oneself forward
push oneself—make an effort; force oneself to do smth.: I will push myself to live my life to the fullest and improve this world I live in. push oneself forward—try to force people’s attention on oneself (to make them notice one’s abilities, etc.): I do find it painful to push myself forward to complete strangers, […]
Difference between Push one’s fortune and Push one’s luck
push one’s fortune—make an effort to win a good position in the world: I am tired of this life. I want to push my fortune. What is there here for me? push one’s luck —(also: press one’s luck) try to make too much of an advantage; expect continued good fortune: He could have been satisfied […]
Difference between Purple state and Red state
purple state—(U.S.) a state which may vote Democratic or Republican: New Hampshire has been called a purple state for its mix of red (Republican) and blue (Democratic) voters in 2000. red state—(U.S.) a state voting Republican in a given election, or tending to vote Republican in general: In John Ashcroft’s home state of Missouri, Bush […]
Difference between Purple Heart and Purple hearts
Purple Heart—(U.S.) a military decoration for those wounded in action: Mason returned to Pasadena wearing a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. purple hearts—(Drug users) heart-shaped stimulant tablets, especially of amphetamine (also: pink hearts): They took more interest in life and stopped taking purple hearts.