have a bite— 1. (coll.) have a snack; eat some food: We planned to stop somewhere on the road and have a bite of supper. 2. (of cold air or wind) have keen cutting effect: The cold night air had a bite in it. 3. (of food or drink) taste pleasantly pungent or spicy; be […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Have a big time and Make the big time
have a big time—(coll.) enjoy oneself (also: have a great time): Christ, doesn’t time flit by when you’re having a big time and all? Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase have a big day—used of a day on which important things happen: We are going to have a big day […]
Difference between Have a ball and Have balls
have a ball —(coll.) have a good time; enjoy oneself: They had tea in the Japanese Garden, and then drove out to the beach. She was having a ball. have balls —(coarse sl.) have great courage or audacity: It’s for sure that Martin has balls to cut class again, after we were caught yesterday.
Difference between Has your cat died and Her rabbit died
has your cat died—(UK) said to a person whose trousers are too short or are pulled up: Now my Mum would say, “Has your cat died dear? Your trousers are at half mast.” her rabbit died—(dated euph.) said of a woman who was found to be pregnant: I just recently found out that her rabbit […]
Difference between Hardware store and Software store
hardware store—(U.S.) a store that sells tools and implements, usually made of metal (such as hinges, screws, hammers, etc.): We use chains that can be purchased at a hardware store. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase computer hardware store—a store handling computerrelated equipment: I just want to work in a […]
Difference between Hardly work and Work hard
hardly work—do very little work: She is a decent kid with bad luck … she hardly works now, and I doubt she will be with us for much longer. work hard—work with all one’s energy: You will be in the limelight for the first three months—time during which you should work hard to create a […]
Difference between Hard time and Hard times
hard time— 1. an unpleasant or distressing experience: Dozier had a hard time finding a publisher for her book. 2. (Underworld) a prison sentence: How much hard time does he have behind him? hard times—a period of economic depression, poverty, etc.: Maritime businesses took advantage of the hard times by launching a campaign to break […]
Difference between Hard nut to crack and Hard row to hoe
hard nut to crack—(also: tough nut to crack) 1. a difficult problem or task to undertake: Opinions vary, but the consensus is that the target is a hard nut to crack. 2. a difficult person to deal with: We all know that President Mugabe is not an easy man to bend. He is a hard […]
Difference between Hard line money and Hard money
hard line money—(Nautical) extra pay in consideration of special hardships (also: hard-lying money): Besides, there is hardline money, which makes up for a good many discomforts. hard money— 1. (also: hard cash) money in its proper form, as distinguished from checks, etc.: Husbandmen, like other laborers, are paid in hard money by the week. 2. […]
Difference between Hard line and Hard lines
hard line—unyielding adherence to a firm policy: The hard line adopted by Australia’s conservative government proved popular among voters. hard lines— 1. bad luck; misfortune: It was hard lines indeed for Mr. Watson to meet with such a demon of a hare. 2. (exclam.) is used to show sympathy and understanding: “I’m not getting a […]
Difference between Hard labor and Hard work
hard labor—imprisonment with hard physical work as a punishment: Glynn was sentenced to three months hard labor, but won an appeal. hard work— 1. difficult and tiring work: It has been hard work to establish order here. 2. (coll.) said of smb. who is difficult to deal with: I had to sit next to Frank at […]
Difference between Hard-headed and Soft-headed
hard-headed— 1. rational and shrewd, not influenced by sentiments: She was hard-headed enough to be practical about the situation. 2. self-willed and obstinate: I was so hardheaded, I wouldn’t admit to being wrong even if I was at gunpoint. soft-headed —(coll.) foolish: Saying that someone else is softheaded is no way to convince people of […]