enter for something—join for participation in a contest or competition: They entered for the national championship but were not good enough. enter upon something— 1. make a start on an activity: As soon as we entered upon the task we realized it was going to be difficult. 2. take up a position; assume duties: He […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Enter a religious order and Take holy orders
enter a religious order—become a member of a religious order; adopt a monastic life: She entered the religious Order of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and adopted the name Sister Ignatius of Jesus. take holy orders—(also: take orders) become a priest in the Anglican Church: Although monks are not necessarily clergymen, many of the […]
Difference between Enough to make a cat laugh and Enough to make a cat speak
enough to make a cat laugh—said of smth. utterly ridiculous: The idea of a chap like that writing a book: it’s enough to make a cat laugh. enough to make a cat speak—said of smth. very extraordinary or exceptional: I don’t know if this article is “enough to make a cat speak,” but you should […]
Difference between Enlarge into and enlarge on
enlarge into something—expand into smth. bigger: His first publication was a pamphlet, which was afterwards enlarged into a book. enlarge on something—add detail to smth.; say or write more about smth.: He enlarged on the importance of exercising memory as a habit.
Difference between Engaged to someone and Engaged with someone
engaged to someone—bound by a promise of marriage to a person: Mary was engaged to Jim for three months before their wedding. engaged with someone— 1. having one’s time occupied by a person: You cannot see Mr. Brown just now, as he is engaged with a visitor. 2. involved in hostilities with enemy troops: They […]
Difference between Engage in and Engage with
engage in something—be actively involved with smth.: Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. engage with something— 1. make an effort to understand and deal with smth.: All religions attempt to engage with the problem of the existence of suffering in this world. […]
Difference between Enemy of mankind and Enemy of the people
enemy of mankind—(euph.) the devil: The ancient enemy of mankind knows us very well. He knows that “lesser evils” are far more productive for his cosmic agenda… enemy of the people—a common indictment in communist countries against a political opponent: Being a friend of an enemy of the people automatically placed the person under suspicion. […]
Difference between End up in and End up with
end up in something—reach or arrive at a final (usually unfavorable) condition, circumstance, or place: If we take her too seriously, we will all end up in a mental home. end up with something—finish with the presence of smth. undesirable: If you put too much coffee you’ll know it! And if you don’t, you may […]
Difference between End to end and From end to end
end to end— 1. with one end of smth. touching the end of smth. else: The police lined up the lorries end to end across the street to prevent anyone getting by. 2. (attrib.) said of technology systems that begin at the server and end at the user: We provide an end-to-end technology solution to […]
Difference between End of the world and World’s end
end of the world, the—the cessation of mortal life; the Apocalypse: The creeping awareness that death was in the room filled the time. Like the end of the world might be. Cf.: it’s not the end of the world—it is not a calamitous matter or situation (is used to console oneself or another person): Anyway, […]
Difference between End of the earth and End of the land
end of the earth—(also: world’s end) the remotest regions of the earth: She is a good woman for a man to have with him when he goes to the ends of the earth. end of the land —(also: land’s end) the remotest region of the country: I journeyed also to Kerch which was the end […]
Difference between End it all and Get away from it all
end it all—commit suicide: Martine became so depressed during a recent illness that she wanted to “end it all.” Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase to crown it all—(also: to cap it all) used to emphasize the final item in a series completing a good or bad fortune: The school […]