carry coals —(also: bear coals) submit to humiliation or insult: Abraham observes that they will not carry coals, meaning that they would not put up with insults. carry coals to Newcastle—take goods, etc. to a place where they are plentiful: My colleagues have already spoken extensively…. To repeat these statements would be to carry coals […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Carry a load and Carry the load
carry a load —(sl.) be alcohol intoxicated: Your father’s carrying a load again. What are we going to do? carry the load—do or be responsible for the major part of a job, etc.: We all knew that his wife carried the load in that family. See also: carry one’s weight / carry weight.
Difference between Careless of something and Careless with something
careless of something—(also: careless about something ) unconcerned about smth.: He became careless of the decencies which were expected from a man so highly distinguished in the literary world. careless with something—not thinking sensibly about how one can best use or treat smth.: Remember that this is not a time to be careless with money […]
Difference between Career teacher and Careers teacher
career teacher—a person who works as a teacher for most of his or her working life: Although I’m not a “career teacher” I can see how much they respect them here, which is refreshing. careers teacher—a teacher who gives information to students about jobs and professions: This information should be passed regularly to Careers Teachers […]
Difference between Career man and Career woman
career man—a man who works permanently in a profession which affords opportunity for advancement, especially a career diplomat: The foundation of any sound Foreign Service must consist of “career men” who have become expert. career woman—a woman who attaches great importance to her profession, especially one who prefers a career to marriage: There are legions […]
Difference between Care to do something and Take care to do something
care to do something—feel inclined to do smth.; think it worthwhile to do smth.: If you care to write a good-bye, address me in care of the ship. take care to do something—give serious attention to smth.: A farmer may be a good soldier if you take care to have him properly disciplined.
Difference between Care-taker and Caregiver
care-taker— 1. (also: care taker) a social worker or nurse, who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, etc.): A child is most vulnerable to the thought and belief patterns of his care taker. 2. a person who supervises the care of a property such as a building: Our care-taker lives around the corner, […]
Difference between Care for someone and Take care of someone
care for someone— 1. like smb.; be fond of a person: I do not really care for Kerry. He was certainly the one I liked the least during the debates. 2. have regard for smb.: She seems like she only cares for people with money and people who are “known.” 3. be responsible for the […]
Difference between Care about something and Care for something
care about something— 1. feel anxiety or concern about smth.: I’m not sure that anyone in the audience really cares much about what happens to him. 2. take an interest in smth.: Jack didn’t care about anything but horses and dogs, and lived every day of his life. care for something— 1. wish for smth.: […]
Difference between Candy stripe and Candy striper
candy stripe—a print of fine red stripes on a white background (the pattern found on peppermint candy): The door was answered by a woman dressed in jeans and a candy-stripe shirt several sizes too big for her. candy striper—(U.S. sl.) a young woman who is a volunteer nurse’s aid in a hospital: Carol followed the […]
Difference between Can you say that again and You can say that again
can you say that again—is used to ask a person to repeat smth.: I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that, can you say that again? you can say that again—is used to express strong agreement with what smb. says: “Dad, you’re not the Messiah,” I say, imitating the voice my mom makes…. “You can say that […]
Difference between Called to the Bar and Called within the Bar
called to the Bar—(UK law) admitted as a barrister (a lawyer who has the right to speak as an advocate in higher law courts): She completed her studies at the College of Law in London and was called to the Bar in 2004. called within the Bar—(UK law) appointed a Queen’s/King’s Counsel (a barrister who […]