catch on to something—figure smth. out; understand smth.: His sagacious mind immediately recognized and caught on to the only plan of salvation in sight. catch up to something—(also: catch up with something ) 1. overtake a bus, etc. by walking fast: Jane caught up to the bus that had almost left her behind. 2. keep […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Catch on to someone and Catch on with someone
catch on to someone—understand the real nature of a person: He was a real talent and I hoped that the world would catch on to him. catch on with someone—become popular with people: I hope our new product catches on with children.
Difference between Catch a tiger by the tail and Take the bull by the horns
catch a tiger by the tail —(also: have a tiger by the tail) engage in an undertaking which may prove extremely dangerous or difficult: You’re taking on an organization with reserves you know nothing about. How do you know you won’t be catching a tiger by the tail? Note: The expression does not correlate in […]
Difference between Catch a look and Catch the eye
catch a look— 1. notice smb.’s glance: I caught a fleeting look of relief from Sylvia. 2. look at a person or thing: He turned to catch a look at her sweet face. catch the eye—attract attention: The thickets of Licuala catch the eye with their striking foliage.
Difference between “Cat has nine lives” and “There’s more than one way to kill a cat”
cat has nine lives, a —(saying ) cats can survive things severe enough to kill other animals: A cat has nine lives, you only have one. To prevent accidents—think before action. there’s more than one way to kill a cat (also: there are more ways than one to kill a cat)—there is more than one […]
Difference between Cat fight and Dog fight
cat fight—(coll.) 1. an altercation between two women typically involving scratching, etc.: He was recently caught inbetween a horrible cat fight involving his now girlfriend singer Kelis. 2. a vociferous dispute: A debate at Toronto City Council about an affordable housing project turned into an ugly “cat fight” between two councilors. dog fight—a close-range aerial […]
Difference between Casual ward and Casualty ward
casual ward—(UK hist.) the division of a workhouse to accommodate vagrants overnight: The next two nights of our stay were spent in the Notting Hill casual ward. casualty ward—the ward in a hospital in which accidents are treated: We were conducted to the casualty ward in which she was lying.
Difference between Cast the first stone and Lay the first stone
cast the first stone—be the first to bring an accusation against a person: Let those of the respectable press who are without sin, cast the first stone. lay the first stone—lay the foundation of smth.: It was Hughes who laid, in 1877, the first stone of radiographic practice by his detailed experiments. Note: The expression […]
Difference between Cast something off and Throw something off
cast something off— 1. (of clothing ) remove; take off: As the sun grew warmer, he cast off his heavy winter clothes. 2. get rid of smth. unwanted; become free from smth.: He was pleased to cast off such an unwelcome responsibility. 3. (of snakes) get rid of a skin: Snakes cast off their old […]
Difference between Cast someone off and Cast someone out
cast someone off —(also: cast someone away) abandon one’s friend, lover, etc.: When he grows tired of a woman, he just casts her off like an old coat. cast someone out—expel a person from an association or society: All he really wanted was revenge on a society that has cast him out.
Difference between Cast a shade over something and Cast something into the shade
cast a shade over something —(also: cast a shade on something ) have a damaging effect on smth. such as a person’s reputation, relationships, etc.: Nor would he do one act for worlds, that could cast a shade over the fame and honor. cast something into the shade —(also: throw something into the shade) make […]
Difference between Cast a long shadow over something and Cast a shadow over something
cast a long shadow over something—exert a very strong influence on smth.: Helmut Kohl cast a very long shadow over German politics, even after his defeat at the polls in 1998. cast a shadow over something —(also: cast a shade over something) have a damaging effect on smth. such as a person’s reputation, relationships, etc.: […]