catch someone cold—(Sport) surprise one’s opponents when they are not prepared for an attack: Northern, seeking their eighth successive League win, were caught cold by Castleford. have someone cold—(U.S. sl.) have a person in one’s power or at one’s mercy: He’ll have to take whatever deal they offer him, they’ve got him cold for the […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Catch one’s death and Meet one’s death
catch one’s death —(coll.) catch a severe cold that may be fatal (also: catch one’s death of cold): She had walked in the rain seeking a refuge and “catching her death” instead. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase catch someone dead—(coll., usually negat.) find a person in an embarrassing position: […]
Difference between Catch one’s breath and Get one’s breath again
catch one’s breath—be affected by a sudden emotion such as fear, excitement, etc.: To the rocketing bound of a good free horse you catch your breath, thankfully, happily. get one’s breath again—be relieved after exertion, excitement, etc.: The work goes on until Friday night, and then the break which gives one time to get one’s […]
Difference between Catch on to something and Catch up to something
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 […]
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 […]