pupil teacher—(UK hist.) a boy or girl preparing to be a teacher, whose time was divided between teaching in an elementary school and being taught by the head teacher: The pupil-teacher, as a rule, we fear, learns little and teaches less. student teacher—a student of a training college teaching in a school for a certain […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Pump attendant and Pumpman
pump attendant—a person who serves motor fuel at a garage or gas station: Harry was pump attendant and not in charge of mechanics. pumpman—a man in charge of the pumps: The strikers threaten to call out the engineers and pump-men, which would result in the flooding of the mines.
Difference between Pull-boat and Pulling boat
pull-boat— 1. (hist.) a barge or boat propelled by pulling a rope: It is a treat to see a powerful young Dutchwoman handle a rope on a pull-boat. 2. (U.S.) a motorized flatboat used to draw logs over water: In the cypress swamps of Louisiana there are employed what are known as pull-boats. pulling boat—a small […]
Difference between Pull the plug out and Pull the stops out
pull the plug out—stop working on a project, etc.; put an end to an activity: If he is no longer updating the newsgroup site and decided to pull the plug out, would that be the end of the newsgroup? pull the stops out—apply all one’s energy to the task in hand; work as hard as […]
Difference between Pull the plug on something and Put a plug in for something
pull the plug on something—stop working on smth.; put an end to an activity: You should have a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs that could force you to pull the plug on the project. put a plug in for something—highly recommend a product, etc.; advertise or promote smth.: I want to put in a […]
Difference between Pull the plug on someone and Put a plug in for someone
pull the plug on someone— 1. remove life-supporting equipment from a terminal patient: David’s prayers awoke his friend from a coma several days before they were going to pull the plug on him. 2. discontinue a person’s employment: Remember how many reporters complained and talked about Jayson long before his editors finally decided to pull […]
Difference between Pull the devil by the tail and Twist the lion’s tail
pull the devil by the tail—be constantly in difficulties or financial straits: He was tired of knocking about, of pulling the devil by the tail…. Would he never get a good job? twist the lion’s tail—provoke the resentment of the British people (used with reference to foreign insults to Great Britain): I took a silent […]
Difference between Pull something to pieces and Take something to pieces
pull something to pieces— 1. destroy or dismantle smth.: While we were out, our dog pulled to pieces two of our sofa cushions. 2. criticize smth. severely: I explained my theory and he just pulled it to pieces. take something to pieces—(of machinery, etc.) take smth. apart so that it is in separate pieces: He […]
Difference between Pull someone down and Pull someone under
pull someone down— 1. weaken a person in health: My mother tried to kill herself as her chronic degenerative disease pulled her down. 2. reduce smb. to a lower level morally; make smb. humble: His opponents often quoted the lackluster performance of the party during this time to pull him down. Note: The expression is not […]
Difference between Pull one’s wire and Pull wires
pull one’s wire—(sl., of a male) masturbate: Remember what I said about sex. Keep away from the maids and pretty boys. As for pulling your wire, that’s no occupation for a gentleman. pull wires —(also: pull strings) 1. obtain smth. through the influence of people one knows: Us guys pull wires to get jobs as […]
Difference between Pull one’s socks up and Work one’s socks off
pull one’s socks up—(UK coll.) make an effort to do better; improve one’s performance: Brian, you’d better pull your socks up if you want to pass the exam. work one’s socks off —(coll.) work very hard: I’ve been incredibly busy working my socks off for the last couple of months. See also: beat the socks […]
Difference between Pull on the heartstrings and Pull the strings
pull on the heartstrings —(also: tug at the heartstrings) stir deepest feelings or affections: The group’s songs have the ability to pull on the heartstrings of listeners and carry elevating messages of hope and warmth. pull the strings —(also: pull strings) 1. secretly exert influence and power: Tony’s uncle had the title of boss but […]