when it comes down to it—(also: when it comes right down to it) when one really thinks about it: Doctors are great, but when it comes right down to it, each of us is in charge of his own health. when the chips are down—when matters become very serious or critical: When the chips are […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
What’s up vs What’s up with
what’s up— 1. what is happening; what is going on: You can keep up to date on what’s happening with legislation, new product research, or what’s up in your community. 2. (U.S. sl., also: whassup) is used as a greeting to someone you know well: “Hi, Jim. What’s up?” “Oh nothing much…. How are you […]
What with vs What’s with
what with—on account of smth.; as a result of smth.: The idea of being homesick didn’t even occur to me, what with all the new things that were going on. what’s with—what’s wrong with: It seems that well-educated people should be the most well informed. What’s with these people?
What matter vs What’s the matter
what matter —(coll.) what difference does it make: But what matter from whom he heard this. what’s the matter— 1. what happened; what is the problem: What’s the matter, Cynthia? You sound odd. 2. what’s wrong with: I’m a farmer all right. What’s the matter with farming?
What is in it for someone vs What is it to someone
what is in it for someone—what advantage or benefit can a person receive from smth.: He had an inbred suspicion of any kind of offered help, he wanted to know why people were giving it, what was in it for them. what is it to someone—what business is that of mine, yours, etc.; does it […]
What goes around, comes around vs What goes up, must come down
what goes around, comes around—one is bound to see the long-term effects of his current actions and behavior: “What goes around comes around” and eventually each of you will answer for all the lies you have published. what goes up, must come down—when smth. such as a stock price, etc. goes up it will most […]
What ever vs Whatever
what ever—is used as a more emphatic variant of “what”: “What ever are you doing in that ridiculous costume?” Jonny let out a girlish giggle… whatever—no matter what: Whatever I say, he always finds a way to tell me that the same thought occurred to him a few weeks earlier.
What else can I do vs What else can I do for you
what else can I do —(also: what more can I do) is used as an expression of hopelessness or desperation: He came out with a gun and said he would put an end to it. I called the cops but what else can I do? what else can I do for you—is used as an […]
What an idea vs What’s the idea
what an idea— 1. that’s a great idea: They don’t fit very well under the Christmas tree, but what an idea for that perfect gift! 2. that’s preposterous; that’s most unreasonable: Pa looked at ma stunned. Good heavens what an idea! what’s the idea —(also: what’s the big idea) what’s the intention or purpose (is […]
West Indiaman vs West Indian
West Indiaman—(hist.) a sailing ship running to the West Indies and the east coast of America: Compare the numbers of men in a West Indiaman and in a Baltic or Hamburg trader. West Indian—an inhabitant of the West Indies: American Blacks are quick to perceive pronunciation differences on the part of West Indians who migrate […]
Welcome home vs Welcome to our house
welcome home—celebration or expressions of greeting at smb.’s homecoming: Nearly bursting with pride these ladies gave the servicemen a welcome home that they deserved. welcome to our house—a name for the plant Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias): Another species found in the Smokey Mountains is often called Graveyard weed and Welcome-toour-house. Note: The expression is not […]
Weigh someone down vs Weigh someone up
weigh someone down—(also: weight someone down) 1. press on a person with a heavy weight: Get this bundle off my back; it’s really weighing me down. 2. make smb. very sad; depress a person: When an American girl does that, you can guess there’s something “mighty hefty” weighing her down. weigh someone up —(coll.) form […]