bad apple—(coll.) a single bad person in a group (also: rotten apple): Maybe she was the bad apple of the department, so I made an appointment to meet with another woman. bad egg—(coll.) a bad or despised individual (also: rotten egg ): Billy was a bad egg and spent most of his time trying to […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Backwoodsman vs Woodsman
backwoodsman— 1. a settler in the uncleared forest land: It is this which gives that piquancy to the conversation of a backwoodsman. 2. is used of a rough, uneducated person: He sounded like a backwoodsman even in high hat. 3. (UK) a member of the House of Lords who rarely attends that body: This speech […]
Backtrack on something vs Track back to something
backtrack on something—reverse one’s position or policy, especially as a result of other people’s opposition: He has backtracked on what he told the public during his campaign. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be back on track—return to one’s normal activities: Within a few months, she was back on track, […]
Backbite someone vs Bite something back
backbite someone—slander the reputation of smb. who is absent: People will backbite one another to any extent rather than not be amused. bite something back—hold back a remark one was about to make: She wanted to tell him her real feelings, but she bit the words back.
Back to the drawing-board vs Back to the salt mines
back to the drawing-board—dealing with the same matter again (because smth. has gone wrong):
Back to basics vs Back to square one
back to basics—returning to the previously held fundamental principles:
Back off from something vs Back out of something
back off from something—withdraw from smth. one has promised or agreed to do:
Back-light vs Background light
back-light—(Photography) illumination of the subject from behind to produce a highlight along its edge:
Back in the saddle vs Back on track
back in the saddle—back in a position of leadership or authority:
Back-fire vs Fire back
back-fire—1. (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder with a loud noise:
Back drop vs Backdrop
back drop—a trampoline stunt in which from a bounce a gymnast lands on his back and then rebounds to an erect position:
Back bench vs Back seat
back bench, the—1. (UK Parliament) members who do not hold office: