in a season— 1. (also: at a season) at a certain time: He was made Minister of Labor in a season when the Government’s economic policy meant saying “no” to wage demands. 2. in the course of one season: These are the days of “long runs,” when but one or two plays can be produced […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between In a round and In the round
in a round— 1. in a circle; around the perimeter: I casually glanced in to find a group of students sitting in a round and discussing something. 2. during one stage in a game or contest: It is possible for one player to identify more than one word in a round, and he therefore scores according […]
Difference between In a position and In position
in a position—able to do smth.: The government was unaware of anyone who was in a position to offer a deal that was acceptable to Washington. in position—in the right place (for a particular purpose): When the camera has been placed in position the cap of the lens should be removed.
Difference between In a pickle and In pickle
in a pickle—(coll.) in an embarrassing or difficult situation (also: in a fine pickle): If it had been any hotter or the climb any longer we would have been in a pickle. in pickle—(coll.) kept in reserve for future use: He will return to the tranquil enjoyment of his 1,000,000 pounds now in pickle, it […]
Difference between In a mood and In the mood
in a mood—in a bad temper: Don’t ask the boss for more wages today—he’s in a mood. in the mood—feeling ready or willing for smth.: I didn’t laugh at all during the whole play—I just wasn’t in the mood.
Difference between In a little and In little
in a little—after a short time: It isn’t as dark as it looks because we are under the trees, but in a little they will light their lanterns. in little—on a small scale: The Temple was an imitation in little of that at Ephesus.
Difference between In a kennel and In the doghouse
in a kennel—(coll.) said of a small and mean dwelling or hut: He got us a room—we were in a kennel before. in the doghouse—(sl.) in disgrace; out of favor: My dad’s in the doghouse after getting drunk last night.
Difference between In a hole and In the hole
in a hole —(coll.) in an embarrassing or difficult (financial) position: Lawyers have been known to embezzle their clients money when they themselves are in a hole. in the hole— 1. = in a hole: I couldn’t let the fact come out that the business was in the hole since I was trying to sell […]
Difference between In a fume and In smoke
in a fume—in an excited state of mind; in an irritable or angry mood: Every now and then a lady in a fume withdraws her name. in smoke—(Underworld) in hiding: Denman advised Naysmith to remain “in smoke”—an expression meaning to hide himself.
Difference between In a fog and In fog
in a fog— 1. when there is thick mist or fog: This neon light has great penetrating power in a fog. 2. (also: all in a fog) perplexed; at a loss: I confess that, until it came to light, I was in a fog. in fog — = in a fog 1: Flying in fog—which may […]
Difference between In a few well-chosen words and In a few words
in a few well-chosen words—said of a short and effective utterance: He managed to say in a few well-chosen words what others might not convey in a half-hour speech. in a few words— 1. said of smth. stated very briefly: In a few words Captain Schley gave me an inkling of his plans. 2. in […]
Difference between In a fashion and In the fashion
in a fashion— 1. (also: after a fashion) to a certain extent but not very satisfactorily: I kept puffing at it [trombone] until I could play, in a fashion, the little Jim Robinson solo. 2. in the way specified: Nor did he fail to condemn wrong doing in a fashion which Scotch folk call teethy. […]