Adam and Eve on a log—(U.S. diners) two poached eggs with link sausage. Adam and Eve on a log are two poached eggs with link sausage, but there are plenty of other short order cook gems like “Bowl of Red” (chili peppers with meat). Adam and Eve on a raft—(U.S. diners) two poached eggs on toast. There were […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Adam and Eve vs Adam-and-Eve
Adam and Eve— 1. said of men and women in general. The great dual law which makes Adam and Eve one humanity, the dry land and the seas one globe. 2. (U.S. diners) two poached or fried eggs. Diner lingo is one example of a mnemonic device that aids memory. “Adam and Eve” refers to two eggs, usually poached. […]
Actual time vs Real time
Actual time—the time to be compared with the standard or expected time. The actual time of its [Indian summer] occurrence and the character of the weather appear to vary for different regions. Real time— 1. the time during which an event occurs. The date displayed by monitors is from the previous day, making it almost impossible to know the […]
Action man vs Man of action
Action man—a person who makes a show of being very vigorous and energetic. I had very little in common with the sort of larger-than-life action man I played in film after film. Man of action—somebody who does things and is not content to just meditate or talk. Foscolo was intended for a man of action and strife: ease […]
Act something out vs Outact someone
Act something out—give expression to thoughts, unconscious fears, etc. in one’s actions and behavior. Children often act out their troubled feelings in their games. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the intransitive phrasal verb act out—behave anti-socially or misbehave. The child with a learning problem may act out to divert attention from, for […]
Act one’s age vs Show one’s age
Act one’s age—behave in a manner appropriate to one’s age (often used in asking children to act in a more grown-up fashion).
Act of God vs Action of God
Action of God —(also: work of God) = act of God 2
Act foolishly vs Act the fool
Act foolishly—act without reason or good judgment.
Act as someone vs Act for someone
Act as someone—perform as an interpreter, guide, etc.
Act as angel vs Act like an angel
Act as angel—act as a sponsor for a firm, organization, etc.
Achilles of England vs English Achilles
This great captain, whose merit was acknowledged equally by friends and foes, received the appellation of the Achilles of England.
Achieve peace vs Win the peace
Achieve peace—achieve a state in which a nation or community is not at war with another.