nearest thing, the—said of smth. that is very much like a par ticular type of thing: Soho is the nearest thing in Central London to a red light district. very near thing, a— 1. a dangerous situation that a person just manages to avoid: The list of what could have gone badly wrong is a […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Natural to someone and Natural with someone
natural to someone—(of behavior, etc.) being in accordance with a person’s habits or character: He spoke with a stiff manner that was not natural to him. natural with someone— 1. = natural to someone: This feeling was not natural with him. It was probably only due to some derangement of his own health. 2. behaving […]
Difference between Natural man and Natural person
natural man— 1. an uncultivated, uncivilized man: Let us not forget that “Typee” is a glorification of the noble savage, uncorrupted by the vices of civilization, and that Melville looked upon the natural man as good. 2. a man having a usual or normal character; smb. who is not exceptional in any way: My friend […]
Difference between Natural birth and Natural born
natural birth—childbirth in which psychological conditioning replaces the use of anesthesia, etc.: This definition [normal birth] may also be equated with natural birth—birth without interference. natural born— 1. said of a child actually begotten by one in contrast to adopted: Natural born children of employees are eligible for benefits if they are born before the […]
Difference between Native Americans and Native-born Americans
Native Americans— 1. (also: first Americans) American Indians: We have a new section for you featuring posters of Native Americans and Native American Artwork. 2. (hist.) members of a minor American political group having a brief existence in the early 19th century: The Native Americans were pledged not to vote for any foreigner for office. […]
Difference between Name the day and Name-day
name the day—fix the date for a wedding: Then he made hot love to her, and pressed her hard to name the day. name-day—(in Catholic or Orthodox tradition) the feast day of the saint after whom one is named at baptism: There is no St. Jennifer, so I celebrate my name day on the Feast […]
Difference between Mutton dressed as lamb and Wolf in sheep’s clothing
mutton dressed as lamb—said of a middle-aged woman dressed in too youthful a style: You would never be able to describe her as mutton dressed up as lamb because she obviously still feels young. wolf in sheep’s clothing—said of a person or thing that appears peaceful and harmless but is really harmful or hostile: John […]
Difference between Mr. Right and Right Charlie
Mr. Right—(also: right guy, the) a perfect romantic or marriage partner: When she found herself in a romantic rut last winter, she began to despair of ever meeting Mr. Right. Cf.: Mr. Right Now—(a jocular pun on the former) a man who is not to be considered for a permanent relationship: One look at a […]
Difference between Movie theater and Moving theater
movie theater—a building where movies are shown to an audience; a cinema: When we go to a movie theater today, we experience a much different world than the theater-goer of the early twentieth century. moving theater—virtual reality simulator with seats moving where you actually ride with the movie and experience every bump, dip and turn: […]
Difference between Move away and Move off
move away— 1. go away; depart: Eventually the police and the crowd reached an understanding and the crowd moved away. 2. leave a place where one has lived: The house was let to a retired couple for a while, but they moved away up to Inverness. move off— 1. (of a vehicle) start moving: The […]
Difference between Motor caravan and Touring caravan
motor caravan—a motor vehicle designed to serve as selfcontained living quarters for recreational travel: Our intention was to use the house as a base in France and then travel throughout Europe in our motor caravan. touring caravan—a mobile, non-motorized caravan with living facilities that can be towed by a vehicle and used as a residence: […]
Difference between Motor car (UK) and Motor car (U.S.)
motor car (UK)—an automobile; a four-wheel road vehicle: John was driving a motor car eastwards when it skidded on the icebound roadway, causing the car to turn completely round. motor car (U.S.)— 1. = motor car (UK): It takes a leisurely sort of a millionaire indeed who can afford to come in his motor car […]