think again—(also: have another think coming ) revise one’s plans or opinions because they may be wrong: Those who think that the trade union movement should take a back seat in the Labor movement should think again. think twice—use careful consideration; avoid hasty action or conclusion: She had seen that he was in trouble and […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Thin on the ground vs Thin on top
thin on the ground—said of smth. not numerous and therefore hard to find: Pheasants are thin on the ground late December and I don’t usually shoot them this late. thin on top—said of smb. having little hair left on his head: When I was at my twenties, I had good-looking hair, but now I am […]
Thick tea vs Thin tea
thick tea— 1. strong, concentrated tea: He poured two mugs of thick tea and slowly shambled back to his sitting room. 2. (UK dated) an early evening tea with a full meal (as a substitute for dinner): The “thick teas” of Lancashire have long been celebrated for their eccentricity. thin tea—weak, watery tea: She left […]
Thick on someone vs Thick with someone
thick on someone—(coll.) somewhat burdensome on a person: I don’t grudge him the time off, but it’s a bit thick on me, having to do all his work. thick with someone—(coll.) intimate or very friendly with a person: Your Johnny seems very thick with that ginger-headed boy.
Thick end of the stick vs Thin end of the wedge
thick end of the stick, the —(also: short end of the stick, the) the disadvantage in a bargain, contest, etc.: Don’t be cocky: producers always hold the thick end of the stick and you should know that. thin end of the wedge, the—(also: small end of the wedge, the) a modest beginning which may lead […]
Thick as pea soup vs Thick as peas in a shell
thick as pea soup —(of fog or liquid) very dense; concentrated: Wow, this coffee is strong! It’s thick as pea soup. thick as peas in a shell —(also: thick as peas in a pod) intimate or very friendly: Sam had had a game of billiards with the Baron, and they were as thick as peas […]
Thick as herrings vs Thin as a herring
thick as herrings—said of a great number of people, especially when crammed in a small area (also: thick as hops): Our position was in the center, on which the natives most politely avoided any sort of crowding, although behind they were packed as thick as herrings. Note: a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with […]
There is nothing for it vs There is nothing in it vs There is nothing to it
there is nothing for it—there is no other choice but to take a particular action: There was nothing for it now except to go straight ahead with the plan. there is nothing in it— 1. there is no significant difference between the people or things in question: The choice lies between Jones and Evans, and […]
There is nothing doing vs There is nothing to be done
there is nothing doing—(also: nothing doing ) 1. used as an announcement of refusal of a request: Then my girl asked me to marry her. I told her there was nothing doing. 2. used as a declaration of failure in an attempt: I tried to find her a place to stay. But there was nothing […]
There is no knowing vs You never know
there is no knowing—it is impossible to know: There is no knowing whether President Bush will make further Supreme Court nominations before leaving office. you never know—one cannot be quite certain: You’d think the outcome of that case would be a foregone conclusion, but then you never know.
There is no escape from something vs There is no escaping something
there is no escape from something— 1. said of a place from which one cannot get away: The jagged rocks are forbidding and dangerous. There is no escape from here. 2. said of a difficult situation that cannot be avoided or ignored: If there is no escape from check, it is checkmate and the game […]
There is a first time for everything vs There is a time for everything
there is a first time for everything —(saying ) because smth. has not happened before there is no reason to assume that it never will (also: there’s got to be a first time for everything ): “I’ve never had a rheumatic ache or pain in my life.” “Well, there’s a first time for everything, you […]