pull it off—cause smth. to happen; succeed in a difficult attempt: With Jean as leader of the party, the Liberals can pull it off. They can win the election. pull it out—(Sport) barely win; win just before the end: Despite Peyton’s extremely lackluster day we managed to pull it out with our running game and […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Pull in one’s claws and Pull in one’s horns
pull in one’s claws—(also: draw in one’s claws) be less hostile and aggressive: Maybe his obviously terrible political tactics of the last few months have made him pull in his claws. pull in one’s horns —(also: draw in one’s horns) be less keen or active, and more careful: To buy when the buying is good, […]
Difference between Pull foot and Pull someone’s leg
pull foot—(dated) leave in a hurry; run with all one’s might: The whole crew pulled foot as if Old Nick had held them in chase. pull someone’s leg—(coll.) tease or mislead smb. humorously: Stanley knew they were pulling his leg, but instead of finding it amusing he felt uneasy. See also: drag one’s feet / […]
Difference between Pull a face and Pull a long face
pull a face—show one’s dislike, disgust, or derision by one’s facial expression: He pulled a face as if he had heard a slate pencil gritting against a slate. pull a long face—assume an unhappy, dismal expression: Peter pulled a long face when the results of the competition were announced.
Difference between Public school (UK) and Public school (U.S.)
public school (UK)—prestigious fee-paying independent secondary school, usually boarding: They called that kind of school a public school, which in England was the name for a private school which your parents have to pay quite a lot of money to send you to. public school (U.S.)—non-fee-paying school supported by public funds and controlled by a […]
Difference between Public house and Public housing
public house—a licensed saloon or bar: Both these sorts of public house are essentially working class; the blackcoat’s pub is another sort of place. Note: a) The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase public bar—(UK) a drinking room in a pub where drinks are sold at the counter, as contrasted with a […]
Difference between Provide cover against something and Provide cover from something
provide cover against something— 1. offer protection against rain, snow, etc.: The patios could be surrounded by porches that would provide cover against the rain. 2. insure a person against loss, damage, etc.: This will cover all the risks that are listed, but is extended to provide cover against accidents in the home. provide cover […]
Difference between Proud of someone and Proud to someone
proud of someone—(also: proud for someone) having or showing a proper pride in smb.: He’s my son, and he’s a chip off the old block, and I’m proud of him. proud to someone—thinking oneself superior to a person: You must not be proud to those who are less fortunate than yourself.
Difference between Protest against something and Protest something
protest against something—express one’s opposition to smth.: In a recent number of the Guy’s Hospital Gazette the editor protests against the too free use of students as blood donors. protest something—affirm smth. strongly against opposition: Rachel protested her innocence for those long twelve years, claiming that it was Daniel who fired the fatal shot.
Difference between Protective belt and Safety belt
protective belt— 1. a kind of supportive brace made of highly elastic material: Ballesteros wore a protective belt to cushion his aching back. 2. a long narrow strip of forest to protect crops, etc.: A sinuous, chaotic river with a thick protective belt of forests became a contained, channelized canal. safety belt—a strap attached to […]
Difference between Prohibition law and Prohibitory law
prohibition law—a law prohibiting the making or sale of alcoholic drinks, specifically in the USA in the period 1920–1933: A petition will be circulated calling for repeal of the state’s liquor prohibition law. prohibitory law— 1. a law prohibiting the making or sale of alcohol: A prohibitory law was passed in Maine in 1846, and […]
Difference between Profit from something and Profiteer from something
profit from something—be benefited or gain advantage from smth.: I have not solicited Professor Allen’s financial counsel, but have profited from his advice on many other matters. profiteer from something—make large profits unfairly, especially taking advantage of times of scarcity: When the war ended, the traders who had profiteered from the shortage went out of […]