be none of someone’s business—said of smth. that does not concern a person: She’s not his girlfriend, and this matter is none of his business. have no business to do smth.—have no right to do smth.: This woman had no business to publish his private letters to her.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be nobody’s business and Like nobody’s business
be nobody’s business—said of smth. that does not concern anyone: I look like death warmed up and what I feel is nobody’s business. like nobody’s business —(coll.) said of an activity done with great energy or enthusiasm: “He can sing like nobody’s business,” said Stoker.
Difference between Be nettled and Be on nettles
be nettled—be vexed or angered: Becker was nettled at the groan from those around the table. “I know it’s a lot of money, but this is necessary.” be on nettles—be impatient or anxious: Some of them were on nettles till they learned your name was Dickson. Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase […]
Difference between Be mixed up and Mix it up
be mixed up —(coll.) be confused in one’s feelings: No wonder the boy turned criminal, he had been mixed up all through his childhood. mix it up —(sl.) argue or exchange criticisms; quarrel vigorously: Shaffer was aggressive and didn’t mind mixing it up when she had to.
Difference between Be milk toast and Be toast
be milk toast—(U.S. sl., pejor.) be a timid person who is afraid to assert himself: He will have frequent battles with hospital officials…. A doctor who never gets into scraps with those around him is a milk toast. be toast—(U.S. sl.) said of a person who will not succeed or will be in deep trouble: […]
Difference between Be loath to do something and Loathe doing something
be loath to do something—be unwilling to do smth.: Perhaps you have to ease back on your workload, something most physicians are loath to do. loathe doing something—have an intense aversion for doing smth.: Thank you for leaving the kitchen so clean and tidy, a job I loath doing after a party.
Difference between Be loaded and Be loaded for bear
be loaded—(U.S. sl.) 1. be under the influence of drugs or alcohol: I’m not loaded. I’m just a little tipsy. 2. be very rich: Mr. Wilson is loaded, but he is also generous with his money. be loaded for bear—(U.S. sl.) 1. = be loaded 1: Marines are always loaded for bear, and get nicked […]
Difference between Be left in peace and Rest in peace
be left in peace—be free from interference or coercion: These men should be left in peace for they have served their time. rest in peace—(euph.) said of smb. dead and buried: My grandparents, who now rest in peace, loved Halloween.
Difference between Be laid low and Lie low
be laid low— 1. (of a disease or injury) cause a person to take to bed: I’ve been laid low with this cough most of the winter. 2. be defeated or forced into a humble position: Kidd was laid low by an incredible run of sheer bad luck. Note: a) The expression does not correlate […]
Difference between Be interested in someone and Have an interest in someone
be interested in someone—be keen to know or learn about a person: I do not suppose that George was interested in Stevenson as a writing man. have an interest in someone—concern oneself about or sympathize with smb.: She happens to be my only sister’s child and I have an interest in her. Note: Neither expression […]
Difference between Be in with someone and Be with someone
be in with someone—(coll., also: be on the in with someone) be on friendly or familiar terms with a person: We go along for a drink occasionally, but we’re not really in with the people staying there. Cf.: be out with someone—(coll., also: be on the outs with someone) be no longer friendly with a […]
Difference between Be in want and Be wanting
be in want—be destitute; live in poverty: Many people are now out of work and in want. be wanting—be deficient or inadequate: Nothing will be wanting to render your stay agreeable.