there are too many chiefs—there are too many bosses and not enough people to do the work (in allusion to the saying “too many chiefs and not enough Indians”): The problem with this organization is that there are too many chiefs. there are too many cooks—is used to say that when too many people try […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
There are no two ways about it vs You can’t have it both ways
there are no two ways about it—it is certain or definite; there is no other possibility: The company is slowly going bankrupt and we’ll have to look for another job. There are no two ways about it. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase there are more ways than one to […]
That’s what you say vs You said it
that’s what you say—(also: says you) is used to show one’s disagreement or scorn of the other speaker’s opinion: “They aren’t going to go to the police.” “That’s what you say.” you said it—(also: you can say that again) is used to show strong agreement with what another person has just said: “That sure was […]
That’s the way the cookie crumbles vs That’s the way the cow eats the cabbage
that’s the way the cookie crumbles —(also: that’s the way the ball bounces) that’s the way things happen (used with the implication that there are some things that we cannot control and have to accept): One can’t help but feel a certain amount of sadness at the change in state of affairs, but I guess […]
That’s the way it goes vs That’s the way to go
that’s the way it goes—that’s the way things happen: That’s the way it goes in any kind of criminal conspiracy to hide the truth. More and more people become involved, more and more crimes are committed to hide an initial truth. that’s the way to go —(also: way to go) is used as an encouragement […]
That’s the end of the ball game vs That’s the end of the line
that’s the end of the ball game—there is nothing one can do any more about a situation: We had some lousy management that blew away what little we had—that was the end of the ball game. Cf.: be still in the ball game—be still active; be still a part of the action: The governor is […]
That’s the ball game vs That’s the way the ball bounces
that’s the ball game—there is nothing one can do about a situation: I have to give points to Potter for her creativity…. But the film failed to engage me in its central drama and that’s the ball game. that’s the way the ball bounces —(also: that’s the way the cookie crumbles) that’s the way things […]
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it vs That’s the story of my life
that’s my story and I’m sticking to it—said after an explanation which may not be completely true: It’s been suggested that I saw the same shark repeatedly. But I saw three … that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. that’s the story of my life—said of smth. that supposedly summarizes one’s unfortunate life experience: That’s […]
That’s life vs This is the life
that’s life —(also: such is life) that’s the way things happen (said with the implication that unpleasant events occur occasionally): It’s a pity Colin and Rowena got divorced, but then that’s life! this is the life—(exclam.) used as an admiring comment on a comfortable, enjoyable, and carefree existence: A sandy beach, plenty of hot sun, […]
That’s an idea vs That’s the idea
that’s an idea—that thought, proposal, etc. is worth considering: Well, that’s an idea all right. Not a good one, but it’s an idea. that’s the idea— 1. is used to indicate approval of what has just been said: “Shall I look and see?” “That’s the idea.” 2. that’s what smb. has in mind: Personal liberty […]
That’s all right vs That’s right
that’s all right— 1. said to smb. who has just thanked you or apologized: “I came to tell you how greatly our men appreciated your help.” “Oh, that’s perfectly all right.” 2. it doesn’t matter any more: I still don’t understand it. But that’s all right now. I understand why I don’t, and that’s enough […]
That’s about the size of it vs That’s about your size
that’s about the size of it—(coll.) that sums up the situation; that’s how things are (also: that’s about it): “The house is exactly what we want, but it’s too expensive.” “Yes, I’m afraid that’s about the size of it.” that’s about your size —(sarcastic) one would expect that of you: That’s about your size to […]