make amendments to something—correct smth., especially a piece of writing: She made a few amendments to the letter before signing it. make amends for something—atone for the harm one has done; make compensation for smth.: It made him wish to make amends for his former unkindness to the boy.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Make advances and Make an advance
make advances— 1. make progress: Since the introduction of radiography into surgery, many advances have been made in its application. 2. (Military) move forward on the enemy position: When the Red Army made advances into Germany, Goering moved his headquarters to Berchesgaden. 3. approach a woman in the hope of a romantic relationship: I’d be […]
Difference between Make a vow and Make one’s vows
make a vow—make a solemn promise or undertaking: There is a sect called the Abstinents who make a vow to abstain from everything that has enjoyed life, and to eat nothing but vegetables. make one’s vows—(also: make the vows) join a religious order; become a monk or nun: He made his vows two years later […]
Difference between Make a time for something and Make time for something
make a time for something—set a time or make an appointment for smth.: I enclose a form for you to fill in. We should make a time for me to inspect the damaged premises. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make a time about something—(U.S. coll.) make a fuss over […]
Difference between Make a stand against something and Take a stand against something
make a stand against something—oppose smth. actively: The teachers’ union has made a stand against violence, backing members who have threatened industrial action rather than teach disruptive children. take a stand against something—adopt a firm public position against smth.: Pennsylvanians should be proud of the officials who took a stand against violence and hatred in […]
Difference between Make a snatch and Take a snatch
make a snatch—(Underworld) commit an unexpected and quick robbery (also: do a snatch): The best way is to make a snatch and give legs for it, it’s better than loitering. take a snatch —(coll.) eat some meal hurriedly (when a chance occurs): He took only a snatch or light refreshment, returning immediately to his desk.
Difference between Make a show and Make a showing
make a show—(also: put on a show) display an outward appearance or semblance of smth.: The gardener was a very old man, somewhat deaf, who was only making a show of working. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase do a show—(coll.) attend an entertainment: People over a wide area would […]
Difference between Make a scene and Make the scene
make a scene—exhibit anger, indignation, etc., in a public outburst: He thought the soup too hot, and made quite a little scene about it. make the scene —(sl.) 1. appear in a particular place: I’ve got to make the scene. The whole world will be there! 2. understand or appreciate the situation: I can’t quite […]
Difference between Make a run and Make a run for it
make a run— 1. (coll.) make a rapid journey for a short stay at a place: Would you like to make a run of a day or two to the other side of the Weald? 2. (Air Force) make a target approach in order to attack: One of the fighters made a run at us, […]
Difference between Make a proposal and Make a proposition
make a proposal— 1. offer or put forward a suggestion, plan, etc.: Porter made a proposal to hold secret negotiations, but the communist side did not accept it. 2. offer marriage to a person: He felt they had been cheated out of so many years together that maybe he would make a proposal to her […]
Difference between Make a point of something and Make the point about something
make a point of something—regard or treat smth. as important or necessary: Fred also made a point of the need for club members to support such an important event. make the point about something—communicate one’s argument or idea successfully: Alan made the point about programmers being just like mountain climbers tackling a new mountain.
Difference between Make a pass and Make the pass
make a pass— 1. gain upon and pass the vehicle in front of one: The reigning World Champion (Button) just couldn’t get close enough to the Japanese driver to make a pass. 2. (also: make passes) attempt to attract the romantic interest of a person: He had almost completely hidden from me the feelings which seemed […]