give something a rest—stop talking about or doing smth. for a period of time: I think you ought to give football a rest for a time. put something to rest—(also: lay something to rest) 1. dispel fears, rumors, etc.: The day is approaching when other popular misconceptions will be put to rest. 2. settle an […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Give someone time and Give someone time out
give someone time —(also: give someone the time) be patient with smb. in expectation of a change or achievement: “He won’t make up his mind about me.” “Well,” Milly smiled, “give him time.” give someone time out— 1. allow smb. to remain away from work, study, etc. for a period of time: A lot of […]
Difference between Give someone the time and Give someone the time of day
give someone the time— 1. (also: give someone time) be patient with smb. in expectation of a change or achievement: Parents don’t have to solve the problems for him—just give him the time and attention he needs to grow. 2. (sl., euph.) have sex with a person: I was personally acquainted with at least two […]
Difference between Give someone the sack and Leave someone holding the sack
give someone the sack —(coll.) dismiss a person from employment: Raytheon tried to silence him by giving him the sack. Colin has now brought a charge of unfair dismissal to an industrial tribunal. leave someone holding the sack—(U.S. coll.) be entrusted with an unwelcome responsibility: Perhaps you didn’t plan to drag me into the case […]
Difference between Give someone the rough side of one’s tongue and Give someone tongue
give someone the rough side of one’s tongue—speak severely to smb. (about a fault, bad behavior, etc.): She stared up at him, fully prepared to give him the rough side of her tongue, then stopped when she saw the look on his face. give someone tongue—said of an open-mouthed kiss in which one’s tongue is […]
Difference between Give someone the kick and Give someone the kick in the teeth
give someone the kick —(coll.) 1. make smb. experience excitement or pleasure: Morphine and heroin do not give normal persons the “kick” they are supposed to give. 2. have a strong stimulant effect on a person: It was this discourse from Osho that gave me the kick I needed to move from the life of […]
Difference between Give someone the freedom of the city and Give someone the freedom of the world
give someone the freedom of the city—confer upon a person honorary citizenship of a city: Harrison was given the freedom of the city and was the guest of honor at the London Rotary Club. give someone the freedom of the world—(sl.) dismiss smb. from employment: I used to work for IBM, but one day they […]
Difference between Give someone the bird and Have a bird
give someone the bird— 1. (coll.) scoff or jeer at a performer, entertainer, etc.: Spencer’s goal-kicking was atrocious—even the crowd began to give him the bird. 2. make a very impolite sign by raising one’s middle finger towards smb. to show that one is angry: He lifted his hand outside the car window and gave […]
Difference between Give someone the big eye and Look at someone with big eyes
give someone the big eye —(coll.) look at a person with an open display of romantic interest (also: give someone the eye): I can feel my dander rise watching him give her the big eye. look at someone with big eyes—(also: look at someone wideeyed) stare at a person in surprise: “Are we having a […]
Difference between Give someone stick and Take a stick to someone
give someone stick—(UK coll.) rebuke or reprimand a person: She really gave him stick about the way he made a mess of the contract negotiations. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase give it some stick—(UK coll., of a vehicle) put more force into it; speed it up: Peter gave it […]
Difference between Give someone short change and Give someone small change
give someone short change —(also: shortchange someone) 1. give a person less than the correct amount of money: After several rounds of drinks had been served, Sullivan accused Cook of giving him short change. 2. treat a person unfairly by not giving him what he deserves: The group feel they are given short change when […]
Difference between Give someone one’s word and Give someone the word
give someone one’s word— 1. give one’s promise to a person: I’ll help you in any way I can—I give you my word. 2. express one’s assurance to a person: I give you my word that my brother did not leave a shilling to his son. give someone the word— 1. indicate one’s intentions to […]