in a family way— 1. without ceremony: Why don’t we ask him to come over in a family way and dine with us. 2. (euph.) pregnant: I have heard that Mrs. Smith is in a family way once again. in the family way— = in a family way 2: A woman should postpone the observation […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between In a dump and In the dumps
in a dump—(sl., in the phrase “live in a dump”) live in a poor, dirty or ugly place: “How can you live in a dump like this?” he asked her. “Don’t you ever clean this place?” in the dumps—(coll., also: down in the dumps) 1. in low spirits; very depressed: One of my still single […]
Difference between In a dream world and In one’s dream
in a dream world—having one’s mind far away from reality; entertaining unrealistic ideas: There are people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality. in one’s dream— 1. said of images passing through the mind during sleep: He took a piece of native copal wood and carved the animals that […]
Difference between In a corner and In the corner
in a corner— 1. situated or positioned in a corner: Sitting in a corner of the room, Trevor watched his friends and teammates celebrate. 2. (also: in a tight corner) in a difficult situation: The government is in a corner and cannot win except to keep taxes reduced. in the corner — = in a […]
Difference between In a bit and In bits
in a bit— 1. (coll.) after a short time: There is a reason for this, and I hope to talk about it in a bit. But first I’d like to put some background in place. 2. (UK sl., sarcastic) it’s never going to happen: “Will you lend me twenty quid?” “Oh yeah, in a bit!” […]
Difference between In a big way and In a great way
in a big way—(coll.) 1. on a large scale: The company should be frugal, they say, but when it does invest it should do so in a big way. 2. with great eagerness or enthusiasm: Derek is crazy to take up dancing in a big way again. He adores all this old-time dancing. in a […]
Difference between In a bad way and In the worst way
in a bad way— 1. in trouble; having serious problems: The basic exporting industries of Great Britain—coal, metallurgy and textiles—have been in a bad way. 2. (of health) in a bad or critical state: But one of the poor men who were hurt at the fire is dead, and another is, I fear, in a […]
Difference between Improve in something and Improve on something
improve in something—become better with regard to some standard or quality: The boy seems to have improved in his behavior since he had that last warning. improve on something—produce smth. of a better standard or quality than before: She improved on her previous performance by swimming the distance in less than a minute.
Difference between Impose on someone and Impose oneself on someone
impose on someone—obtain a favor from a person, especially by using persuasion or undue pressure: Could I impose on you for a little help with this translation? impose oneself on someone—inconvenience smb. by one’s presence: As there was no train, he was forced to impose himself on his hosts for longer than he had intended.
Difference between Impatient of something and Impatient with something
impatient of something—unable to endure smth.; unwilling to submit to smth.: His early orphanage was not without its effect in confirming a character naturally impatient of control. impatient with something—easily provoked or irritated when dealing with smth.: This book is for you if you get impatient with heavy, conventional and lengthy textbooks. Note: Neither expression […]
Difference between “if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” and “if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas”
if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows—(Proverb) if you wish to benefit from a high risk situation, you have to accept the consequences if things go wrong: The individual must demonstrate that he accepted a certain degree of responsibility, even if he feels that he is personally blameless. To put […]
Difference between If only and Only if
if only— 1. is used to express a strong desire or hope that was not fulfilled: If only I knew at the time that she would be famous one day! 2. even though (is used to introduce the clause of concession): This may mean going on a trip, if only for a day or two, […]