big house— 1. (UK) the principal house of an estate; the residence of the squire: Cattle sheds were at Thriepland Hill, while the “big house” and some other offices were at Branxton. 2. (U.S. sl.) a prison or federal penitentiary: I feel like a criminal who has been in a hideout, been caught, and has […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Big hand and Small hand
big hand—(usually in the phrase “give someone a big hand”) a large round of enthusiastic applause: The audience gave Jason a big hand at the end of the performance. small hand—said of a style of writing belonging to a particular person: The three folders with notebooks contained sheets carefully written in small hand. See also: […]
Difference between Big game and Large game
big game— 1. the larger animals, such as lions, etc.: For big game, Bushveld is that part of the Transvaal which the hunter must seek. 2. an important sport event: Believe it or not, the best players on your team get nervous before a big game. 3. an adventurous undertaking involving great risk and gain: […]
Difference between Big drink and Long drink
big drink—(U.S. sl.) the Atlantic ocean (also: big pond): When you’re [flying] over the big drink you really get to feel how tiny we humans are. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase big drink of water—(sl.) 1. a large body of water: Lake Michigan is a big drink of water; […]