wait for someone— 1. remain in a place in expectation of a person or thing: When she got there Tommy was waiting for her on the front steps. 2. (of things) be ready or available for a person to use: His car waited for him in the parking lot and he jumped behind the wheel. […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Vital measurements vs Vital statistics
vital measurements—the measurements of a woman’s figure, specifically bust, waist, and hips: She is blessed with a slender body, but needs to find a way to stay in control of the vital measurements. vital statistics— 1. statistics concerned with births, marriages, deaths, etc.: The best data source for mortality is vital statistics of deaths with […]
Visiting book vs Visitors’ book
visiting book— 1. a book containing the names of persons to be visited: Julia will be missed at St. Christopher’s Hospital and by the many people in her visiting book. 2. a book for the signatures and comments of visitors to a museum, etc.: The Bishop went and wrote his name in the visiting-book at […]
Visit with someone (UK) vs Visit with someone (U.S.)
visit with someone (UK)—pay a visit to a person: Weekends we usually visit with my husband’s family. visit with someone (U.S.)—talk with smb. on a short visit: “When will I be able to see him?” “Right now, if you like. You can visit with him in his cell or see him right here in my […]
Van guard vs Vanguard
van guard—a guard for a railway van or a motor truck: Van guard travels with and guards contents of mail vans. vanguard— 1. the troops who march at the head of an army: The vanguard was composed of chasseurs of the line, hussars, and lancers. 2. the leaders of thought, taste, or opinion in literature, […]
Uppers and downers vs Ups and downs
uppers and downers— 1. positive and negative fluctuations in fortune, business, etc.: In the case of both the uppers and the downers, it would be a good idea to examine the companies more closely to see how meaningful these one-year trends are. 2. (dated coll.) teeth: The film pokes fun of the idyllic, monochromatic life […]
Up to the last minute vs Up to the minute
up to the last minute—until the last possible moment; until the very end: Despite feverish negotiations and efforts up to the last minute, the House and Senate failed to negotiate a compromise. up to the minute— 1. (of things) most modern; the latest that can be offered: Contact us if you want an up-to-the-minute report […]
Up the creek vs Up the river
up the creek —(sl.) facing problems; in trouble (also: up the creek without a paddle): If that person is on vacation or otherwise not reachable, I am up-the-creek. up the river—(U.S. Underworld) in prison: Gary was up the river for a couple of years, but that doesn’t make him a criminal, does it? Note: The […]
Up and coming vs Up and running
up and coming—becoming more and more successful; showing great promise: David is an up and coming assistant professor in the Computer Science department. Cf.: up-andcomer—a person who has begun to be successful in some field and is likely to become even more successful in the future: Fisher is an up and comer in the music industry. […]
Unrighteous Bible vs Wicked Bible
Unrighteous Bible, the—a Bible printed in 1653, containing the printer’s error, “know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit [for ‘shall not inherit’] the Kingdom of God”: At Cambridge in 1653 was printed the justly nicknamed “Unrighteous Bible.” It was marred by two bloopers, both concerning righteousness. Wicked Bible, the—a Bible printed in 1632 with […]
Universal aunt vs Universal maid
universal aunt—a kindhearted woman who provides various assistance to her acquaintances: She efficiently acted as universal aunt for Peter and we felt this was a big help. universal maid—a female servant who does all kinds of housework: She had been in the kitchen helping Becky, the universal maid.
Underground railway (UK) vs Underground railway (U.S.)
underground railway (UK)—the underground railway transport system in a large city: The growing population made traveling in London very difficult, and it was thought that an underground railway would solve many congestion problems. underground railway (U.S.)—(hist.) the chain of safe houses used by slaves escaping from the South prior to the abolition of slavery: Windsor […]