on someone’s good side—enjoying smb.’s favor or approval: This is a great way to show people that they need to be on your good side to earn all the information they want. on someone’s side—supporting and encouraging a person in a difficult and competitive situation: When he realizes that I’m on his side, he can […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between On someone’s case and On the case
on someone’s case— 1. investigating smb.’s crime: He has been able to avoid getting caught by every other detective on his case. 2. (U.S. sl.) harassing or criticizing a person in an annoying way: “My sister was on my case about that joke all night,” he continued. on the case— 1. = on someone’s case […]
Difference between On order and On orders
on order— 1. said of smth. ordered or requested but not yet supplied: We have twenty F-16 planes on order with you. We placed that order five years ago. 2. in compliance with a request: They do it on order, and the only thing they check is to see that your bill with the other […]
Difference between On one’s toes and On tiptoe
on one’s toes— 1. stand or walk on the front part of the feet: His lips fall onto my left cheek. I stand on my toes, and he hugs me tighter. 2. (coll.) active and alert; ready for action: We need several more salesmen who not only know the business, but are on their toes. […]
Difference between On one’s side and On the side
on one’s side— 1. said of smth. giving a person an advantage and increasing his chances of success: He has youth on his side, and it is odds but he gets over it [disease]. 2. said of smb. supporting a person in an argument, etc.: The polluters often have a strong commercial lobby on their […]
Difference between On one’s own hook and On the hook
on one’s own hook —(sl.) on one’s own initiative; relying on one’s own efforts: St. Mary’s Hospital does not meet incoming flights with its own vehicle. Patients come on their own hook. on the hook— 1. (of a telephone receiver) on its rest: Unless the telephone is on the hook, the subscriber cannot call or […]
Difference between On one’s hind legs and On the back foot
on one’s hind legs —(joc.) 1. standing up (to make a speech): Richard got on his hind legs and said that no decent man ought to read Shakespeare’s sonnets. 2. (coll.) very angry; enraged: “Don’t get on your hind legs but just listen to me,” returned Betty composedly. on the back foot—(UK) in a defensive […]
Difference between On one’s game and On the game
on one’s game —(of a sportsman) playing very well: Their disregard of the rules was accentuated by the fact that neither man was on his game. on the game—(UK sl.) involved in prostitution or stealing: Betty’s on the game, isn’t she? Has she got you at it too? See also: off one’s game / off […]
Difference between On one’s feet and Out on one’s feet
on one’s feet—(also: on one’s legs) 1. standing up while working: He’s on his feet all day at work, and he falls asleep in his chair as soon as he gets home. 2. getting up (to speak, etc.): Gavin had slept armed and was on his feet at once. 3. recovered after an illness: It’s […]
Difference between On one’s ear and Out on one’s ear
on one’s ear—(Austral. sl.) in trouble or difficulties: My dad arrived with his two loads of cows last night. Mamma said he was on his ear when I wasn’t there to meet him. out on one’s ear—(sl.) said of smb. ejected unceremoniously; dismissed from a job, etc.: If you continue to be so late, you’ll […]
Difference between On offer and Under offer
on offer— 1. presented for sale: The few non-pedigree cattle on offer were of moderate class. 2. (of ideas, etc.) proposed; suggested: “How nice!” said Noni, with what passed with her for wit. “Any more great thoughts on offer?” under offer—(of property) provisionally sold prior to the signing of a contract: Three of the farms […]
Difference between On occasion and On the occasion
on occasion— 1. sometimes; from time to time: Three, four, or more forms of the same gene have on occasion been encountered. 2. as need or opportunity arises: A member of the House of Lords … is prepared on occasion to assert his political rights. on the occasion— 1. in this instance: The House proved […]