in drink—(coll.) said of smth. done or spoken when drunk: It was spoken in drink, but it happened to be true. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase on the drink—(coll.) indulging in alcohol: Her brute of a husband was always on the drink and gamble. in the drink—(coll.) in the […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between In dock and In the dock
in dock —(also: in dry dock) 1. (of a ship) berthed in harbor (waiting to be repaired, etc.): The Sally Brown is in dock to discharge her cargo. 2. (coll., of a person) inactive (unemployed, in the hospital, etc.): June found herself in dry dock when her services were most in demand. in the dock— […]
Difference between In disorder and Not in order
in disorder—showing absence of order; in confusion: Investigators said they found some of his personal belongings and papers in disorder. not in order —(also: out of order) 1. (of a machine, etc.) not working properly: Noting that the elevator is not in order, she dials for a repairman and waits for his arrival. 2. (of […]
Difference between In depth and Out of one’s depth
in depth—dealing with a subject very thoroughly: He had the choice of writing in depth about a few novelists or of skimming over as many authors as he could. out of one’s depth—in a situation too difficult to understand or cope with: When John talks about music, I soon get out of my depth because […]
Difference between In demand and On demand
in demand—(of goods, services, etc.) desirable; much soughtafter: Crops such as cotton were in demand around the world. on demand—whenever requested: A demand deposit means that the customer can withdraw his money on demand.
Difference between In deep water and In low water
in deep water —(also: in deep waters) in serious (especially financial) difficulties: I have not suffered as you have. But I have been in rather deep water too, in another way. in low water — = in deep water: Philip … came to know which of the clients must be treated with respect and which […]
Difference between In credit and On credit
in credit—still having money in one’s bank account: As long as you stay in credit or within the free ￡100 overdraft facility, there will be no charges for normal transactions on your account. on credit—(of goods and services) not paid for at the time when bought: Armed with a credit card … an American can have […]
Difference between In consideration of something and Out of consideration for something
in consideration of something—on account of smth.; taking smth. into consideration: On his retirement the company granted him a pension of ￡1,000 a year, in consideration of his services. out of consideration for something—prompted by compassion or regard for smth.: Exercise caution in publishing notices concerning attempted suicide, particularly out of consideration for the feelings […]
Difference between In company and In good company
in company—when other people are present: But mind what I say George, be sure you never swear in company. in good company—(joc.) in the same, usually unpleasant situation: “I can’t speak a word of French.” “Don’t worry, you’re in good company.”
Difference between In common and Out of the common
in common— 1. in joint use or possession: However, one thing all of our students have in common is that they’re curious, focused, and socially responsible. 2. in a community: Citizens who share a language and culture are more likely to make effective decisions about their life in common. out of the common—unusual; extraordinary: His […]
Difference between In cold storage and In the deep freeze
in cold storage— 1. (of a process, project, etc.) temporarily discontinued; held in reserve: It seems to be rather a shame that this anthology, which cost me a lot of work should remain indefinitely in cold storage. 2. (sl., of a body) in a mortuary (also: in the ice box): Zeno’s body is in cold […]
Difference between In cold blood and With sang-froid
in cold blood—said of smth. brutal or cruel done in an unemotional way: Sixteen innocent people, make-up artists, technicians and journalists, were murdered in cold blood in that building. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make someone’s blood run cold—(also: make someone’s blood freeze) horrify or shock a person: What […]