dog-house— 1. a dog kennel: Heidi the rottweiler was in the doghouse yesterday after she stopped firemen reaching a kitchen blaze. 2. (sl.) bass viol: You will not find the language which was attached to jazz in the first spate of magazine articles—no “dog-house” for bass. 3. a small structure of a shape suggesting a […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Dog days, the and Three dog nights
dog days, the—(also: dog days of summer, the) the hot, sultry period of summer (between early July and early September): During the dog days, air-conditioners are running full-time. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase dog’s life—a wretched unpleasant existence: I never knew a sailor yet who wouldn’t tell you sailoring was […]
Difference between Dog and pony show and Show pony
dog and pony show—an elaborate presentation of a new product, program, etc. designed to impress an audience: They did a “dog and pony show” for all the faculty and handed out a survey to gauge interest. show pony—(UK coll.) an attractive fashionable person, especially a performer who enjoys being in the limelight: While on tour, […]
Difference between Doctor’s orders and Just what the doctor ordered
doctor’s orders—said of smth. that one is strongly advised to do or of an order which cannot be evaded: No one will be admitted. “Doctor’s orders,” they will be told. just what the doctor ordered—that’s exactly what is wanted or needed: The waiter brought her a drink. “Just what the doctor ordered,” she said, smiling […]
Difference between Do you want a bet and You bet
do you want a bet—an emphatic way of saying that what has been stated is wrong: “You’ll wind up in the hospital,” Claude said. “Do you want a bet?” you bet—(also: I bet) an emphatic way of saying “certainly,” “of course”: “Can you handle this outfit?” “You bet,” said the scout.
Difference between Do without and Go without
do without something—dispense with smth.; manage in spite of not having smth.: Many Victorian households did without a bathroom altogether. go without something—not have (and suffer the absence of ) smth.: Schools have procedures to ensure students do not go without lunch.
Difference between Do with and Make with
do with something—(also: make do with something ) accept smth. although it is not quite satisfactory: If we can’t afford meat we shall have to do with fish. make with something—(sl.) hand smth. over; deliver or produce smth.: When are you going to make with the music, man?
Difference between Do well in something and Do well out of something
do well in something—perform well in a subject: So, because I liked science, I did well in physics. Cf.: do badly in something—perform unsatisfactorily in a subject: Students who did badly in the exam needed more practice. do well out of something—benefit from smth.; make a good profit from a sale, etc.: Like the arms […]
Difference between Do up and Make up
do up —(of clothes) fasten; button up: This dress does up at the back with pink buttons. make up—(also: make oneself up) apply cosmetics: The actors were making up when we arrived.
Difference between Do time and Make time
do time—(coll.) serve a sentence of imprisonment: Our story is about a man who did time for drug dealing and lost custody of his two kids. Cf.: do easy time —(coll.) serve a short prison term: John Murdoch is doing easy time in a minimum security jail dubbed a “holiday camp.” make time— 1. (coll.) […]
Difference between Do the washing and Do the washing-up
do the washing—wash dirty clothes, sheets, etc.: Women do the washing and ironing in about four-fifths of households. do the washing-up—wash the plates, etc. after a meal: A few tips for those who do the washing-up by hand: soak the dishes before you wash them…
Difference between Do the trick and Make the trick
do the trick— 1. perform a clever or skilful action to entertain people: When you do a trick, you know you’ve got it when you do it in front of all those people. 2. accomplish one’s purpose; achieve the desired result: One more turn of the driver should do the trick. make the trick—gain a […]