watch the clock— 1. keep one’s eye on the clock to avoid being late, etc.: They work under the beady eye of their crew chief, who monitors their progress and constantly watches the clock, counting the minutes. 2. (also: clock-watch) keep one’s eye on the clock waiting for the end of one’s work day (used showing […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Watch for something vs Watch out for something
watch for something—wait for smth. that’s going to happen or expected to appear: Watch for our new improved product, which will be on the market next week. watch out for something—(also: look out for something ) 1. be on guard for smth. dangerous or undesirable: I’m always watching out for mistakes that I may have […]
Waste water vs Wasted water
waste water—water that has been used in some industrial process: The liquefaction process could give off up to 4.8 million gallons of wastewater per day. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase waste of water— 1. (also: waste of waters) a vast expanse of water: It seemed to her that her […]
Washing machine vs Washing-up machine
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.
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.