one can do worse than—one would be well-advised to act in a particular way: It’s interesting work, and one can do worse than be part of the creative team. one cannot do better than— = one can do worse than: He cannot do better than buy the Michelin Guide to France and tour the two- […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between One can but and One cannot but
one can but—one cannot do otherwise than: I can but be your friend and guide and give you the benefit of my experience. one cannot but— = one can but: I cannot but be glad that he does not love you; yet it fills me with grief to see that this pains you.
Difference between Once again and Once and again
once again—once more; another time: I’ll explain it once again, but please listen carefully this time. once and again—repeatedly: If you don’t want to be repetitive, using the same word once and again you have a Thesaurus option.
Difference between On top and Up top
on top— 1. resting on smth.: An imposing enamel teapot stands on top, quietly stewing. 2. in the lead; winning: The horse that everyone had expected would be on top actually came in third. 3. (also: at the top) in a position of power or authority: The men on top are always trampling down those […]
Difference between On the wrong side of the tracks and On the wrong track
on the wrong side of the tracks —(also: on the other side of the tracks) in the less respectable or the poorer part of a town: We went to a school which was on the wrong side of the tracks, and we all got a fine education. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning […]
Difference between On the wing and On wings
on the wing— 1. (of birds) in flight: They spend at least nine months of the year continuously on the wing. 2. in motion; moving swiftly: Pope’s constitutional irritability kept him constantly on the wing. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on a wing and a prayer—relying on good fortune […]
Difference between On the view and On view
on the view—on close inspection: He walked round the three companies of horsemen, and pronounced on the view, that Montague and Fox were duly elected. on view—exhibited; on display: The latest model of the car is on view at our showrooms.
Difference between On the up and On the up and up
on the up—(UK coll.) improving or becoming more successful: Business was on the up, and Pete started employing people to help him fulfill orders. on the up and up—(U.S. coll.) 1. honest and trustworthy: I kept telling her the whole thing had been strictly on the up and up, but she wouldn’t listen. 2. = […]
Difference between On the trot and On the trots
on the trot—(coll.) 1. moving from place to place: Two days on the trot carrying a big bag took its toll on me at only eighteen. 2. (also: on the run) running away from prison, the police, etc.: I eloped with one of the boys and we went on the trot from the approved school. […]
Difference between On the top of something and On top of something
on the top of something— 1. in the highest part of smth.: A picnic party had been formed to take tea on the top of the hill. 2. resting on smth.: The lightning was attracted by the acorn on the top of the chapel. 3. in the most important place: He was on the top […]
Difference between On the tick and On tick
on the tick —(coll.) punctually; on time: I am always here on the tick myself, and I do not see why jurors should not do the same. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in a tick—(coll.) in a moment: If I had broken the rules laid down for me I […]
Difference between On the table and Under the table
on the table —(of an official proposal, etc.) presented for discussion or consideration: I had heard that several alternative propositions were on the table. under the table—transacted or sold illicitly and secretly: Most bootleg alcohol is made domestically but sold “under the table” without the necessary permits.