in clear—(of military dispatches, etc.) forwarded in ordinary language rather than in code: A letter in numerical cipher, since he does not give it in clear, still awaits decipherment. in the clear— 1. not obstructed or enclosed: The valley was completely obscured by a thick blanket of fog while our cabin was in the clear. […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between In charge of something and On charge of something
in charge of something—having control or custody of something: As is the custom with elevator boys, the lad in charge of the elevator started it before closing the door. on charge of something—(also: on a charge of something) is used of the accusation upon which a person is arrested: Six persons were arrested on charge […]
Difference between In charge of someone and In the charge of someone
in charge of someone—exercising care or supervision of a person: Other people in charge of children, such as teachers or foster carers, do not have parental responsibility. in the charge of someone—said of smb. under the care or supervision of a person: She has been in the charge of her grandmother since her mother and […]
Difference between In charge and On charge
in charge—said of smb. who is responsible or in control: The authorities announced the arrest of a local commander who was in charge during the incident. on charge —(of a battery) being charged (also: on a charge): How long can I leave the battery on charge and not damage the battery?
Difference between In case of something and In the case of something
in case of something—if smth. should occur; as a precaution against smth.: Always keep a bucket of water handy, for use in case of fire. in the case of something— 1. as regards smth.: The essays were mostly good, but in the case of Jane’s and Tom’s, there was still much room for improvement. 2. […]
Difference between In camera and On camera
in camera —(of a court hearing) held while the public or press is not allowed to attend: The case is one that in England would be heard in camera. on camera—(TV) when televised or recorded: We have been hearing increasing rumors of films in which the victim is murdered on camera.
Difference between In bond and In bonds
in bond—(of goods) stored in a customs warehouse until duties are paid: A merchant may not wish to sell immediately the goods he imports, he is therefore permitted to place them in bond. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on bond—used of smb. released on bail: O’Brien has remained free […]
Difference between In blue and In the blue
in blue— 1. wearing blue clothes: Kim was chatting to a girl in blue as she laid crackling thorns on a fire. 2. executed or finished in various shades of blue color: Finished in blue, this item comes complete with a comfortable head cushion. in the blue—(NZ sl.) said of a failure or of smth. […]
Difference between In black and In the black
in black— 1. wearing black clothes: A gentleman in black proceeded to call over the names of the jury. 2. wearing mourning clothes: Mrs. Smith is in black, I see. Whom has she lost? 3. executed or finished in black color: The table is very ornamental … the legs being of iron finished in black […]
Difference between In balance and On balance
in balance—(also: in the balance) 1. properly balanced; in equilibrium: When there are two equally weighted objects on the seesaw, the board will be in balance. 2. in harmony with: The human body is in the balance with the mineral substances and each damage of this balance can initiate serious health problems. 3. (of a […]
Difference between In at it and In for it
in at it—(also: in on it) taking part in an activity; involved in smth.: If any mischief or practical joke was going forward, young George was sure to be in at it. in for it—(coll.) said of smb. who is to suffer punishment or some unpleasant consequences: If the farmer catches those boys stealing his […]
Difference between In arms and Up in arms
in arms —(of people) armed; prepared to fight: When their country is at war, they have many men in arms. up in arms— 1. actively rebelling: All of the colonies were up in arms against the Redcoats. 2. indignant over smth.; strongly protesting: The country is up in arms over the denial of voting rights […]