Mother’s Day—(U.S.) the second Sunday in May set aside to celebrate mothers: Almost all mothers agree that receiving a card on Mother’s Day holds special emotional meaning. Mothering Sunday—(UK) similar in meaning to Mother’s Day and observed on the fourth Sunday in Lent, therefore its date varies: During the 17th century, England began to celebrate […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Mother of Southwestern Statesmen and Mother State
Mother of Southwestern Statesmen, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the state of Tennessee: Other nicknames include… “The Mother of Southwestern Statesmen,” because Tennessee furnished the United States three presidents and a number of other leaders. Mother State, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the state of Virginia: Such estates were the special pride of the Mother State, aristocratic […]
Difference between More than one bargains for and More than one can shake a stick at
more than one bargains for— 1. said of an unpleasant surprise at the negative consequences of one’s action: A crook got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob a 77-year-old woman. That woman was a former deputy sheriff … and fought back. 2. said when the outcome of one’s action is even […]
Difference between More cry than wool and More kicks than halfpence
more cry than wool—much clamor or fuss with insignificant results: Her diary was much more cry than wool and Mary MacLane was a startling figure only because the times were so colorless and mild. more kicks than halfpence —(also: more kicks than half-pennies) more harshness than kindness: The life of a boy on board a […]
Difference between Monkey something and Monkey with something
monkey something—imitate smth. such as smb.’s manner, technique, etc.: This was my first attempt at monkeying his style. Had fun trying it. monkey with something—(coll., also: monkey about with something) 1. try to adjust or fix smth. (especially of an effort that does not succeed): I was still monkeying with my tie when Katie came […]
Difference between Monkey jacket and Monkey suit
monkey jacket—(Nautical) any tight, short jacket, especially one that is part of a uniform: In 1889 a monkey jacket took the place of the blue tunic. monkey suit—(sl.) a fancy uniform or formal suit: Neither of my two hats went well with the monkey suit.
Difference between Money card and Payment card
money card—a plastic card for use with card phones (also: calling card): It is a good idea to use a calling card when you call home…. Unlike a lost credit card, the money card has no value to anyone lacking your password. payment card—(UK, also: debit card) a plastic card with which a customer may […]
Difference between Modern English and New English
Modern English—English as it has been since about 1500: According to the nomenclature now generally adopted, the Old English period ends about 1100–1150, the Middle English period about 1500, when the period of Modern English begins. New English— 1. the contemporary English language: Marriageable men, or what the new English calls “intending bridegrooms” should look […]
Difference between Mobile home and Motor home
mobile home— 1. a factory-built housing unit that can be installed on a permanent (rented) site and used as a residence: A park owner may not prohibit home owners from installing electric or gas appliances in their mobile home. 2. (also: touring caravan) a non-motorized caravan with living facilities that can be towed by a […]
Difference between Mixed up in something and Mixed up with something
mixed up in something—(of people) involved in or linked with smth., especially smth. reprehensible: Robert Mendelson, whose name was also mixed up in the scandal, has not been mentioned in the ruling. mixed up with something— 1. blended or interspersed with smth.: Its composition varies according to the various ingredients which may be mixed up […]
Difference between Mix something up with something and Mix something with something
mix something up with something— 1. combine or blend a substance with another substance: I mixed the contents up with water and followed the directions on the bottle. 2. mistakenly identify one thing with another: They mixed up my name with that of my sister. They then said it was impossible to change the names […]
Difference between “Mix oil and water” and “Pour oil on troubled waters”
mix oil and water—try to make two very different people or things exist together: There are works which try to combine the technical stuff with personal narratives. Unfortunately, in Veit’s case, it’s mixing oil and water. pour oil on troubled waters—do smth. to make a tense situation more peaceful: Friends are a blessing—they pour oil […]