father of the chapel —(UK publishing and printing industries) a shop steward representing union members in negotiations, etc.: My grandfather was father of the chapel at one of the big newspapers. father-in-church—the relative or friend who “gives away” a bride: “I shall want you to stand father-in-church to this young lady,” said Geoffrey to the […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Fatal accident and Fateful accident
fatal accident—an unfortunate event that results in death: Violations of mandatory mine safety laws led to the fatal accident taking the lives of five miners. fateful accident—an event that may have catastrophic consequences, yet not necessarily result in death: Not long after the fateful accident that left him dishonorably discharged, he lost his wife.
Difference between Fast one and Quick one
fast one—(sl.) a clever and unexpected trick giving the person unfair advantage (usually in the phrase “pull a fast one”): The thought that a girl capable of thinking up a fast one like that should be throwing herself away on Eggleston was infinitely saddening. quick one—(sl.) 1. a quick drink of liquor or a beer […]
Difference between Fast lane and Fast track
fast lane— 1. the traffic lane for vehicles that are moving rapidly: Taxi drivers claim that when traffic breaks down, the fast lane breaks down first so they move immediately to the right lane. 2. a hectic and pressured lifestyle often characterized by recklessness or dissipation: He lived in the fast-lane of his times—hard drinking, […]
Difference between Fast food and Slow food
fast food—inexpensive food prepared and served quickly at a fast-food restaurant: Fast food is a multi-billion dollar industry which is continuing to grow at a rapid pace as fewer people cook at home. slow food—a movement that emphasizes organic growing methods and culinary culture: Instead of drive-up burgers, slow food followers carve out a little […]
Difference between Fare well and Farewell
fare well—do well; excel: American companies generally fare well in this sector and dominate the market. farewell— 1. marking smb.’s departure or death: My spirits were lifted by America’s fond farewell to Ronald Reagan. 2. used as an expression of good wishes on parting: So, farewell and my thanks for the opportunities you have provided […]
Difference between Far and away and Far and wide
far and away—clearly; without a doubt: He is far and away the best-prepared candidate for the Presidency. far and wide—over a large area: You will search far and wide before meeting another friend like him.
Difference between Fancy man and Fantasy man
fancy man —(sl.) a woman’s lover: You won’t get one husband in ten feels any thanks to the wife’s fancy man for the happiness he brings to the marriage. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase fancy Dan—(U.S. sl.) a showy but ineffective worker or sportsman: The amateur and professional ranks […]
Difference between Family man and Man of family
family man—a man with a family; a man dedicated to his family: We don’t see much of him now that he has become a family man. man of family— 1. = family man: Soon he will be a husband and then a man of family and all will be serious. 2. a man of noble […]
Difference between Family doctor and House physician
family doctor—a general practitioner: The family doctor is often the first person that people talk to about their concerns. house physician—a usually resident physician in a hospital, etc.: Mrs. Parish was removed to the institution, where the house physician took charge of the case.
Difference between Familiar to someone and Familiar with someone
familiar to someone—well-known to a person: The story is presented in a manner familiar to all radio-listeners. familiar with someone— 1. acquainted with or knowing a person: I confess that I am not familiar with this writer. 2. on friendly terms or intimate with smb.: Do you address him as “Tom” or as “Mr. Green”? […]
Difference between Fall through the cracks and Fall through the floor
fall through the cracks —(also: fall between the cracks) pass unnoticed; be neglected and not dealt with: In the past, many learning disabled children fell through the cracks. fall through the floor—(also: sink through the floor) 1. be very surprised: The Security chaps nearly fell through the floor when I walked into Parliament so early, so […]