George Cross, the—(UK) a decoration instituted in 1940, primarily for civilians in recognition of acts of the greatest heroism: In recognition of the part played by the Maltese people, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the island. Saint George’s cross, the—an upright and a horizontal bar of red, crossing each other in the center: […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Gentleman Usher and Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod
Gentleman Usher—(UK) a man who ushers visitors into the presence of a person of rank: It now being dinner time, the Gentleman Usher proceeds to take his Lord’s commands. Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod—usher to the British House of Lords: They assemble in their own chamber from where they are summoned by the Gentleman […]
Difference between Gentleman of fortune and Man of fortune
gentleman of fortune—(euph., dated) a pirate: By a “gentleman of fortune” they plainly meant neither more nor less than a common pirate. man of fortune—a person possessing great (usually inherited) wealth: A sailing club consisting of four or five young men of fortune, have conducted the annual Regattas. Note: The expression does not correlate in […]
Difference between General of the Armies and General of the Army
General of the Armies—the highest U.S. Army rank that has only been awarded to Washington and Pershing in recognition of their special significance in the country’s history: In 1919, John J. Pershing was named “General of the Armies of the United States,” and held the rank until he died, in 1948. General of the Army—a […]
Difference between General Certificate of Education and General Certificate of Secondary Education
General Certificate of Education—the school leavers certificate formerly used in Britain: A “General Certificate of Education” should be awarded showing the subjects in which the candidate has satisfied the examiners. General Certificate of Secondary Education—the school leavers certificate currently adopted in Britain: The General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification is one of the main entry […]
Difference between Gay as a goose and Gay as a lark
gay as a goose—(sl.) said of a homosexual person (also: gay as pink ink): It may not even occur to some women that their perfect gentleman is gay as a goose. gay as a lark—said of smb. who is lively and enjoyable, free from worries and fears: Ha, ha! We should be as gay as […]
Difference between Garden State and Peace Garden State
Garden State, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the state of New Jersey: New Jersey was nicknamed the “Garden State” in the 1800s in recognition of its fertile soil and agrarian economy. Peace Garden State, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the state of North Dakota: North Dakota is called the Peace Garden State—in reference to the International Peace […]
Difference between Garden house and Orchard house
garden house—a summer house; a house situated in a garden: The bakery, tin shop and garden house look as if they were still open for business. orchard house—a greenhouse for the fruit too delicate to be grown in the open air: By dwarfing them [fruit trees] you can have a great variety in a small […]
Difference between Game time and Playtime
game time—(coll.) crucial moment for doing business; time to do what has to be done: Will this report be ready by game time? playtime—a time for play or recreation (between lessons at school, etc.): Do the children in your class run around or stand around a lot at playtime?
Difference between Game is over and Party is over
game is over, the—(also: game is up, the) 1. the situation is lost beyond rescue: He knew the game was over and began to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict. 2. said when the wrong one has done or smb.’s guilty secret has been discovered: Okay, sweetheart, game’s over. What’s up? party is over, […]
Difference between Gamble on and Take a gamble on
gamble on something— 1. risk money on the unknown result of a race, etc.: Cockfighting is a fight between male chickens (roosters), in which people gamble on the outcome of the fight. 2. act in the hope of smth. being successful, true, etc.: I wouldn’t gamble on the weather being fine. Cf.: you can gamble […]
Difference between Gamble at, Gamble inand Gamble with
gamble at something—risk money in a game of chance: The men got out a pack of Mexican cards and gambled at a game called “Coon-can.” gamble in something—risk money by investing in a commodity: Matrons gambled in shares quite as wildly as did the unkempt disreputables from the oil fields. gamble with something— 1. gamble […]