Diamond State, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the State of Delaware: Long called the Diamond State, a name arising from a quotation attributed to Jefferson … Delaware’s resources are varied and rich. Gem State, the—(U.S.) a nickname of the State of Idaho: Idaho’s nickname, the “Gem State,” is well deserved due to the 80 varieties of […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Devil’s dust and Dust devil
devil’s dust—wool or cotton waste made from old cloth by a machine called the “devil”: The operation sends forth clouds of floating fibers—the real and original “devil’s dust.” dust devil—a whirlwind visible as a column of dust: A whirling dust-devil would scutter across the plain for a couple of miles.
Difference between Devil’s coachhorse and Devil’s horse
devil’s coachhorse—any of several rove beetles of the family Staphylinid: This atrocious tale of lies turned up joint by joint before her like a devil’s coach-horse. devil’s horse—praying mantis of the family Mantid (an insect that feeds upon other insects and is harmless to man): Another of the most peculiar and interesting insects in Texas […]
Difference between Deus ex machina and Ghost in the machine
deus ex machina—an improbable person or event that provides a sudden and unexpected solution to a difficulty: When the impoverished hero is relieved by an unexpected inheritance, it is often called a deus ex machina. ghost in the machine—is used to denote the view of the human mind as being completely independent of the physical […]
Difference between Determined in something and Determined on something
determined in something—showing resolution in one’s manner or speech: He sounded most determined in his answer. determined on something—resolved to do smth.; firm in one’s decision to do smth.: He is quite determined on a trip to Egypt.
Difference between Desk-book and Table book
desk-book—a reference book suitable for use at a desk: This desk-book for business executives is highly recommended. table book— 1. (also: coffee-table book) a big sized richly illustrated book: She sat in her wingback chair flicking through one of the table books. 2. (dated) a small book for making notes or memoranda: He was observed […]
Difference between Descend on someone and Descend to someone
descend on someone— 1. arrive suddenly to stay with smb.: The whole family descends on us every Christmas. 2. attack a person suddenly: Thieves descended on the travelers while they slept. descend to someone—pass to a person after smb.’s death: The property descended to the man’s eldest son.
Difference between Depart out of this world and Go out of this world
depart out of this world—(euph.) die; pass away: But one thing, at times, assuages my grief, which is this: I am sure that he departed out of this world in peace. go out of this world— 1. (also: go from this world) = depart out of this world: This put people to their graves a […]
Difference between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo, the—an African country, formerly known as Zaire, with the capital Kinshasa: Coltan has permitted the Rwandan army to sustain its presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Republic of Congo, the—the smaller and more westerly African country, with Brazaville as its capital: The Republic of Congo is one of […]
Difference between Demand for something and Demand on something
demand for something—need for smth. that people desire to purchase or have: The problem is that the demand for health care is unlimited. demand on something—request or claim for smth. by virtue of right or authority: There are so many demands on my time that I have very little leisure.
Difference between Deliver the goods and Get the goods
deliver the goods—(coll.) succeed in doing what one is hoped or expected to do: He is the best manager that we have ever had. He knows how to deliver the goods. get the goods—(coll.) find out true and often bad information about smb.: I think that I have finally got the goods on him and […]
Difference between Deliver someone from something and Deliver someone of something
deliver someone from something—(formal) 1. save or rescue a person from smth.: They armed to deliver him from prison. Crowds had gathered … loud in their outcries for mercy. 2. free a person from some problem or responsibility: Chilperic was delivered from the necessity of inventing any new expedient. deliver someone of something — = […]