have the rag on—(sl., also: have the rags on) have one’s menstrual period: His wife always either had the rag on or had a headache every time he wanted to have a little fun. lose one’s rag —(sl.) lose one’s temper: Allison lost his rag with me over two goals by Leicester’s Mike Stringfellow.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Have the pleasure of someone’s company and Take pleasure in someone’s company
have the pleasure of someone’s company—(formal) used when issuing invitations, etc.: May we have the pleasure of your company for lunch tonight? take pleasure in someone’s company—enjoy a person’s company: I take pleasure in your company, and do my utmost to give pleasure back to you.
Difference between Have the last word and Say one’s last word
have the last word—make the final categorical utterance in a dispute, etc.: We can all make suggestions, but the manager has the last word. say one’s last word—give one’s final offer, decision or opinion in a dispute, etc.: I’ve said my last word on this question—take it or leave it.
Difference between Have the key of the street and Live in the street
have the key of the street—be shut out for the night with nowhere to go: We once had the key of the street for a night. We don’t know how many miles we walked before morning. live in the street—(also: live on the street) be homeless: Children who live in the street or perform activities […]
Difference between Have the floor and Take the floor
have the floor—speak at a meeting, in a debate, etc.: You now have the floor for the next five minutes. take the floor— 1. = have the floor: Arthur was one of several House members to take the floor. 2. start dancing at a party, etc.: “Will you dance with me?” She got up and […]
Difference between Have the face and Lose face
have the face—(followed by Infinitive) be sufficiently shameless to do smth.: If I had done otherwise, how could I have ever had the face to visit the graves of my parents? lose face—(also: lose one’s face) damage one’s reputation; lose respect: Admitting she cannot answer a child’s question, she would lose face in front of […]
Difference between Have the ear of someone and Reach the ear of someone
have the ear of someone—have smb.’s favorable attention (especially from smb. in a position of power): He has been one of Italy’s most influential figures, a man who is said to have had the ear of any Italian prime minister. reach the ear of someone—(also: reach the ears of someone) 1. (of a sound) be […]
Difference between Have the best of it and Make the best of it
have the best of it— 1. have the advantage: Though the inside passengers had had the best of it during the night, the outside passengers had the best of it now. 2. be the winner: In terms of overall championship wins, the Dutch had the best of it as they took three of the four […]
Difference between Have the baby blues and Have the blues
have the baby blues—(coll.) feel sad or depressed when pregnant: After seven months, Karly had the baby blues. She was feeling sad. have the blues—(coll.) feel sad or depressed: Doctors told her she just had the blues, and although they offered her medications, they did not keep her in the hospital. Note: The expression does […]
Difference between Have the advantage of something and Have the advantage over something
have the advantage of something—possess smth. that is useful or is likely to bring success: Galsworthy’s plays have the advantage of acting well—unlike much literary drama. have the advantage over something—be better, stronger, etc. than another item of the same kind: The new system of air cleaning has many advantages over the old one.
Difference between Have something under one’s hat and Keep something under one’s hat
have something under one’s hat—(coll.) have knowledge of smth.: He had something under his hat; a tip-off straight from headquarters, news of high international importance. keep something under one’s hat—(coll.) keep smth. a secret; keep smth. to oneself: “Nothing about that in the papers, is there?” “Not yet. Keep it under your hat.” See also: […]
Difference between Have something on and Have something on one
have something on— 1. be wearing smth.: She was very pretty and had a lovely dress on. 2. be busy with smth.: I’m sorry, I can’t come, I have two concerts on next week. have something on one—(of money, etc.) carry about (also: have something on one’s person): The man had a credit card on […]