washing machine—an electrical apparatus used for washing clothes: Samsung manufactures all types of washing machines from twin tub to front loading. washing-up machine—a dishwasher: The kitchen is fully equipped, including an electric stove, microwave oven, refrigerator and a washing-up machine.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Wash-house vs Washroom
wash-house—room or outbuilding equipped for washing: Nestled in the back courtyard of the gardens is a vintage wash house, now remodeled as The Wash House Gift Shop. washroom—(U.S.) lavatory (especially in a public building): The detectives try to piece together a motive for the shooting of a forensic expert in a restaurant washroom.
Warmer-up vs Warmer-upper
warmer-up —(pl. warmers-up) 1. a preliminary item designed to put an audience in a receptive mood: As a “warmer-up” the concert began with a rather pedestrian rendering of the Hebrides overture. 2. (also: warm-up man) a presenter of a preliminary item designed to prepare an audience for another—more famous—performer: As so often it is the […]
Warm house vs Warming house
warm house—a glass-house maintained at a high enough temperature for the culture of tender or tropical plants: In a warm house or greenhouse plants can reproduce all year round. warming house— 1. a structure at a skating rink where the skaters can go to warm themselves: Lakefront Park remains the premier location for winter activity […]
Walk the talk vs Walky-talky
walk the talk—(U.S., also: walk one’s talk) do what one said one would do—not just making “empty promises”: We need not to talk the talk but it’s time to walk the talk. The time to act is now or never at all. walky-talky—a small portable radio link (receiver and transmitter): The security guard got on […]
Walk the board vs Walk the boards
walk the board—(Surfing ) move up and down one’s surfboard: Advanced beginners will learn how to better handle your board, surf down the line and walk the board. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase walk the plank— 1. (hist.) be murdered by drowning (when captured by pirates and forced to […]
Walk out of something vs Walk out on something
walk out of something—leave a conference, hearing, etc. suddenly (to show one’s opposition, etc.): He walked out of the meeting because he was extremely angry, and he didn’t want to say something he would regret. walk out on something— 1. fail to fulfill an agreement, promises, etc.: It remains to be seen if any of […]
Walk one’s chalks vs Walk the chalk
walk one’s chalks —(dated sl.) 1. make off; escape: We cannot believe that Brother Nicholas walked his chalks with the funds of the brethren. 2. move off: I gave Master Barlow due warning … and one fine morning I walked my chalks to try my luck. I fell in next day with a gentleman’s servant’s […]
Walk in on someone vs Walk into someone
walk in on someone—interrupt a person by entering a place: I couldn’t think of anything else to do. I was almost relieved when Hamilton walked in on me. walk into someone—run into a person; collide with smb.: I’m British enough to abjectly apologize every time someone walks into me.
Walk heavily vs Walk heavy
walk heavily—trudge wearily; move with difficulty (as from fatigue): She went down to the lines, walking heavily with her washing-basket full. walk heavy—(U.S. sl.) conduct oneself with an air of importance: Harry’s been walking heavy since he graduated.
Wake sleeping dogs vs Wake snakes
wake sleeping dogs —(also: wake a sleeping dog ) create trouble interfering with a precarious situation which is quiet: Some say that it is too early to fix any rules, or that it is really dangerous to do so: it might wake sleeping dogs. Cf.: let sleeping dogs lie—refrain from stirring up potential trouble: How many […]
Wait for the dust to settle vs Wait for the ink to dry
wait for the dust to settle—wait for things to calm down; avoid undertaking smth. because things are too chaotic: Fearful for their lives, many leaders have scattered, waiting in exile for the dust to settle. wait for the ink to dry—not be in a rush to do smth.; take one’s time: It is a little […]