book-holder—(dated) a theatrical prompter: Bentley supplies evidence for the existence of a functionary called the “prompter” or “book-holder” from about 1615 on. There is little evidence about his precise duties. book-keeper—a person who keeps accounts of a business, public office, etc.: The telegram contained the offer of a job, that of a book-keeper on a […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Book agent and Booking agent
book agent—(U.S.) a person who promotes the sale of books: They may both be glad to invoke the aid of the despised book agent, who carries literature from door to door. booking agent—an official selling advance tickets at a railway station, etc.: When booking tickets with any one of the airlines, reference the appropriate file […]
Difference between Boob tube (UK) and Boob tube (U.S.)
boob tube (UK)—a woman’s strapless top that wraps the upper body (not reaching higher than the armpits): It was freezing … but at least I wasn’t wearing a boob tube and miniskirt like one poor girl. boob tube (U.S. sl.)—television: Parents complain about the quality of the shows but don’t prevent their children from gluing […]
Difference between Bona fide and Bona fides
bona fide —(used as an adjective or adverb) 1. genuine; certified: The ticket for these activities is issued only to bona fide students who can present their college identity card. 2. sincerely; in good faith: An advocate is protected from an action for defamation only when the words he utters are spoken bona fide. bona […]
Difference between Bon mot and Good word
bon mot—(Fr.) is used to refer to a clever, often biting, joke or witticism: “The luxuries of the mansion have been transferred to the hovel,” he laughed, pleased with his bon mot. good word—favorable opinion about a person as conveyed to his potential employer, etc.: I beg you to say a good word for me […]
Difference between Bold as a lion and Bold as an Essex lion
bold as a lion—very brave and daring, especially in times of danger: He might have behaved timidly in life; in the book he would be bold as a lion. bold as an Essex lion—(UK ironic) said of a very meek person: Oh! yes, he is as bold as an Essex lion, especially when there is […]
Difference between Boil something down and Boil something up
boil something down—(coll.) state smth. briefly; summarize smth.: I have tried to state briefly, to boil down, the most important area of conflict. boil something up— 1. boil or wash clothes: There was a grand jungle by a small, clean river where they boiled up their verminous clothes. 2. make tea: In modern India, tea […]
Difference between Boil down and Boil up
boil down—be reduced by boiling: These plums are heaped up in the pan, but they will boil down. boil up —(of a quarrel, crisis, etc.) develop; be about to occur: A dispute is boiling up over who should be the first to greet our royal visitors.
Difference between Body work and Body worker
body work— 1. certain physical therapies like jogging, aerobics, etc.: Take thirty minutes out your day to do body work; it can be walking, Yoga, aerobics, whatever you enjoy. 2. work on the metal shell of a motor vehicle: I bought my Mustang from a guy who did body work for a living, so it […]
Difference between Body shop and Body shopper
body shop— 1. a shop or garage where the bodies of automotive vehicles are repaired: After a car accident, I had my car repaired at a body shop my insurance company referred me 2. (Body Shop) a UK based skin and body care company: A talk was given by a Body Shop representative about the […]
Difference between Body English and Body language
body English—an attempt to control the movement of an object by contorting the body without touching the object: Todd and Leszek demonstrate the intensity, concentration, and body English that are required to push a radio controlled sailboat. body language—communication by facial expression and gestures rather than by spoken language: When we have a hunch that somebody […]
Difference between Boathouse and Houseboat
boathouse—a small building or shed at the edge of a river or lake, in which boats are kept: Canoes and kayaks are popular on the lake and can also be rented from the boathouse. houseboat— 1. (U.S. also: float home) a boat roofed over and fitted up as a house for living in: Living in […]