footpad—(UK dated) a holdup man: Roads in the neighborhood of the metropolis were infested by footpads or highwaymen. pad foot—a curved leg of a chair, table, etc.: The legs of these tables are too straight to be classed as cabriole, and have pad feet.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Footman and Leg man
footman—manservant who admits visitors, waits at table, etc.: He met a footman carrying a breakfast-tray. leg man— 1. an assistant running errands: He was the top man, and I was his “leg man.” He personally handled most of the negotiations…. 2. a reporter gathering facts at the scene: On large newspaper, rewrite persons are assigned […]
Difference between Foot the bill and Top the bill
foot the bill— 1. pay the bill, especially when considered large: When the Simpsons moved away, Greg was left to foot the bill for the building supplies. 2. pay for smth. whose cost is considered unreasonable (especially in consequence of smb.’s actions): The pharmaceutical industry will continue to hike drug costs, and consumers will foot […]
Difference between Follow through with something and Follow up with something
follow through with something—complete smth. such as a plan, etc.; continue doing smth. until it is finished: Young children have a need to know that you will follow through with what you say. follow up with something— 1. act further on smth.: Having a great idea and being able to follow up with it are […]
Difference between Follow the plough and Put one’s hand to the plough
follow the plough—be a ploughman or peasant: His boys followed the plough; and his girls went out to service. put one’s hand to the plough —(also: turn one’s hand to the plough) begin a task (with the implication that one will persist at it): Ideala, having at last put her hand to the plough, worked […]
Difference between Follow the crowd and Join the crowd
follow the crowd—think or behave in exactly the same way as everyone else: Don’t expect anything original from this man—he just follows the crowd. join the crowd—(also: join the club) is used to tell that one has already had a similar, usually unpleasant, experience: Oh, you’re unemployed now are you? So am I—join the crowd.
Difference between Fold one’s arms and Fold one’s hands
fold one’s arms—place one’s arms across the chest: The young woman folded her arms across her chest and frowned at Kay Stanley. fold one’s hands—press hands together with the fingers interlaced: She sat erectly, her hands folded on her black skirt.
Difference between Flying weight and Flyweight
flying weight—the weight of the plane or rocket without fuel: After using the rocket propellants the flying weight is 1780 Kg and during the ascent the total weight averages less than 2000 Kg. flyweight—(Sport) a weight category in boxing, wrestling and weightlifting: Chartchai, three-time world flyweight champion, has been staying at a Tokyo hotel.
Difference between Flying squad and Flying squadron
flying squad— 1. any body of persons organized for rapid movement or action: To speed justice, more frequent assizes and a “flying squad” of judges to hear cases during the Long Vacation are recommended. 2. (Flying Squad, the) a branch of London’s Metropolitan Police force, capable of moving quickly into action: It’s a Saturday evening […]
Difference between Flying horse and Flying mare
flying horse— 1. hippogriff (a mythical animal having the foreparts of a winged griffin and the body of a horse): Harry Potter has to overcome the trauma of having a Hippogriff (Flying Horse) destroyed by the authorities. 2. the constellation Pegasus: Pegasus the Flying Horse is a fall constellation, not resembling a horse as much […]
Difference between Flying Dutchman and Flying Scotchman
Flying Dutchman, the— 1. a ghost ship supposed to be seen in the region of the Cape of Good Hope: This book is devoted to the legend of The Flying Dutchman and its captain. 2. an express train running between London and Bristol: “The Flying Dutchman” express train was the fastest train in the world in […]
Difference between Flyfish and Flying fish
flyfish— 1. (used as a verb) angle with a hook baited with (artificial) flies: There are many videos and classes around to teach you how to flyfish in very little time. 2. (used as a noun) a California fish (Sebastichthys rhodochloris), having brilliant colors: We went on fishing and I was the one with the […]