double-decker— 1. a bus with an upper level: Ride the bus just to say you rode a double decker, but stick to the Tube for speed and ease of use. 2. a sandwich with two layers of filling: He was clearly more interested in eating a double decker and didn’t even have the decency to […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Double bed and Twin bed
double bed—a bed for two people: Each room sleeps two in a double bed, and we can provide a camp bed at additional cost. twin bed—one of a matching pair of single beds: Students are assigned to single gender bedrooms with a twin bed for each occupant.
Difference between Double as someone and Double for someone
double as someone—(of an actor) act the part of two characters in the same play: Peck doubled as the hearty Yorkshireman and the sinister Sir Mulberry Hawk in “Nicholas Nickleby.” double for someone—act as a replacement for a person who is ill, on holiday, etc.: I was just a stuntman on the film, but I […]
Difference between Dot one’s i’s and cross one’s t’s and Mind one’s p’s and q’s
dot one’s i’s and cross one’s t’s —(also: dot the i’s and cross the t’s) be very thorough; pay attention to small details: When you do an investigation of somebody very prominent, make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s. mind one’s p’s and q’s—be careful of one’s actions and behavior; act and […]
Difference between Door holder and Doorkeeper
door holder—a device for holding a door open: Babyproof your home by using door stops and door holders to make it safer for your baby. door keeper—a man who stands at the door of an establishment and admits only those qualified to enter: We inquired of the door-keeper, whereupon a woman came out to see […]
Difference between Don’t you forget it and Forget it
don’t you forget it—an admonitory phrase used after a statement to emphasize the idea: If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have all this, and don’t you forget it. forget it—(imper.) 1. take no more notice of it; don’t mention it: “What do I owe you for lunch?” “Forget it.” 2. don’t even think about […]
Difference between Don’t tell me and Say no more
don’t tell me —(also: never tell me) is used to express incredulity, disappointment, or dismay: “Don’t tell me we’ve got to go through that again,” said one executive member in an audible groan. say no more—you need not add anything (said when in the course of a conversation one party communicates his total understanding of […]
Difference between Don’t sweat it and Don’t sweat the small stuff
don’t sweat it—(U.S. sl.) don’t worry: Don’t sweat it! We’ve got plenty of time to get there before the show starts. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase no sweat—(sl.) used to say that one can do smth. with no difficulty or problem: “Do you think you’ll be able to manage […]
Difference between Don’t mention it and Don’t talk to me about it
don’t mention it—is used to indicate that thanks or apology are unnecessary: I wanted to apologize for not having known him in the garden. “Don’t mention it,” he enjoined me eagerly. Note: a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase don’t mention the war—(UK) don’t speak about things that could cause an argument […]
Difference between Don’t knock yourself out and Knock yourself out
don’t knock yourself out—(coll.) 1. don’t overexert yourself in an effort to accomplish smth.: Don’t knock yourself out trying to track down your child’s allergies unless they truly are persistent. 2. (ironic) don’t overexert yourself in doing smth. that does not require much effort: “Well, don’t knock yourself out to say something, Sarah,” he said. […]
Difference between Don’t give up the day job and Give something up as a bad job
don’t give up the day job—is used to humorously tell a person that he could not do smth. professionally: Your English is fine for getting by in a conversation, but as for writing English (far less translating): don’t give up the day job. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase don’t […]
Difference between Don’t even think of it and Don’t give it a thought
don’t even think of it—don’t even let such an idea occur to you; don’t even consider such a possibility: With high summer temperatures, you’ll need to be drinking water constantly. Drugs: Don’t even think of it. don’t give it a thought—(also: don’t give it a second thought) 1. let that not worry you: I was […]