Abandon ship 1. leave the sinking ship. The officers and crew prepared to abandon ship in an orderly fashion. 2. (also: jump ship) to leave an organization very suddenly before it is too late, especially when you think it is going to fail. The CEO abandoned ship just before the auditors were called in. Give […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Zero hour vs Zero time
zero hour— 1. (Military) the exact time at which operations are to begin: Zero hour for the bombers to take off was midnight. 2. a crucial moment; critical time: On the day of the championship game, as the zero hour came near, the players grew nervous. zero time—(also: time zero) the time set as a […]
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown vs You’re a good one
you’re a good man, Charlie Brown—(U.S.) used as a compliment: Upon hearing the news, Logan slapped Xavier on the back and said, “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.” you’re a good one— 1. = you’re a good man, Charlie Brown: You are a good one, David, and I have appreciated our association over these past […]
Your actual vs Yours truly
your actual —(colloquial or humorous) said of the original or genuine person or thing: This ring wasn’t cheap, you know. It’s your actual gold. yours truly— 1. (humorous) me, myself, or I: He never graduated, but his business ability rivaled anyone’s, yours truly included. 2. (formal) written at the end of a letter, followed by […]
Young tartar vs Young turk
young tartar—(UK rare) a naughty boy; an obstinate person: We all know what a young tartar the Vole is when his sarcastic tongue is working. young turk—(UK) an aggressive person who has modern opinions and tries to change the old ways: They’ve put together a top-notch list of speakers, (which makes me wonder how a […]
Young man vs Young person
young man— 1. a boyfriend; a sweetheart: Whom is she shielding? Either her father or her young man. Is it her father? 2. is used as a familiar or condescending form of address: Listen, young man, you’re headed for some serious trouble. young person— 1. a young woman: There lived a young person at Loudun […]
You tell me vs You’re telling me
you tell me— I don’t know; I have no idea: “How can we possibly get through this week with just this amount of money?” “You tell me.” Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase you tell ’em—used to agree with or encourage smb. in what he is saying: “Keeping the bridge […]
You should talk vs You shouldn’t talk
you should talk —(also: you can talk) you are in no position to criticize because you are at least as guilty as the person you are criticizing (used as an ironic or sarcastic response to a person who has just spoken): “You are cold-hearted.” “You should talk of all people!” you shouldn’t talk —(also: you can’t […]
You don’t say so vs You may well say so
you don’t say so—is used to express surprise or sarcasm at what smb. has just said: I explained my presence, and he said: “You don’t say so! Why, I’ve got a patient over at Swampscott, who says he knows you. you may well say so—what you say is perfectly correct, justified, etc.: “A craft that’s […]
You can’t win vs You can’t win ’em all
you can’t win —(also: you just can’t win) no matter how much you try, there is no way to succeed: Even though we try to educate everyone we come in contact with, sometimes you just can’t win. you can’t win ’em all—is used to say that it is not possible to succeed at every thing […]
You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs vs You cannot make bricks without straw
you cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs —(saying) one should be prepared to make some sacrifice for what one wants: “Why all the bloodshed?” “You cannot make an omelet without breaking a few eggs,” came the reply. you cannot make bricks without straw —(saying ) nothing can be made or performed without the necessary […]
You can talk vs You can’t talk
you can talk —(also: you should talk) you are in no position to criticize because you are at least as guilty as smb. you are criticizing (used as an ironic or sarcastic response to a person who has just spoken): “Debra’s house is always such a mess!” “You can talk! Your house is even messier […]