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.
Category: Confusing Phrases
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 […]
Wait for someone vs Wait up for someone
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. […]
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. […]