tear someone down—(U.S. coll.) criticize smb. severely; punish a person: Why won’t a politician talk according to his conscience? Because the next day, media and the opposition will tear him down. tear someone up—(U.S. coll.) cause smb. much grief; upset a person: She’s feeling really bad for Lodge because she knows how much it will […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Teach an old dog new tricks vs Teach one’s grandmother to suck eggs
teach an old dog new tricks—is used to say that old people can hardly be expected to learn anything new: This computer is far too difficult for me. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Note: a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase teach a pig to play the piano—do futile […]
Tea hostess vs Tea lady
tea hostess—a woman in charge of serving tea at a tea-party or other social occasion: Mrs. Bowhill acted as model for the evening dress. Tea hostesses were Mrs. Kedge and Mrs. Williams. tea lady—(also: tea girl) a woman employed to make and serve tea in an office: Two years ago, it seemed the ubiquitous tea lady […]
Tea boy vs Tea man
tea boy—(UK) 1. a boy employed to run errands in an office, etc.: I left school at 17 and I started straight away in a recording studio, initially as a tea boy then trainee tape operator. 2. (coll.) a general assistant: Mr. Fenby says he began his career as a journalist employed as a “tea […]
Tax avoidance vs Tax evasion
tax avoidance—the use of legal methods to pay the smallest amount of tax: I think that all these devices for tax avoidance ought to be stopped. tax evasion—the illegal non-payment or underpayment of in come tax: Most crooked businesses rely on substantial tax evasion.
Taste like something vs Taste of something
taste like something—have the same taste as smth. else: The cowish or biscuit root is somewhat larger than a walnut and tastes like a sweet potato. taste of something—have the hint of a certain specified flavor: If it tastes of the raw berry (as Egyptian coffee generally does), it is under-roasted.
Tape machine vs Tape recorder
tape machine—a telegraphic instrument in which the message is printed on a paper tape: Some twenty men were crowding round a “tape machine” waiting for the result of the race to come through. tape recorder—an electronic apparatus for recording music, etc. on magnetic tape: A tape recorder offers the additional facility of actual recording, either […]
Talk the same language vs Tell the same tale
talk the same language —(also: speak the same language) have an understanding with a person through similarity of outlook: I don’t have many friends because I no longer talk the same language as the people I used to know. tell the same tale— 1. (also: sing the same song ) express the same ideas, opinions, etc.: […]
Talk someone through something vs Talk something through with someone
talk someone through something—provide detailed directions which enable a person to do or understand smth.: The nurse will talk you through the procedure and answer any concerns you have. talk something through with someone—discuss smth. in detail; consider a matter thoroughly with a person: I need to talk it through with my partner to make […]
Talk shop vs Talk-shop
talk shop—talk about matters pertaining to one’s work or profession: Wedged in among typewriters and an offset press, the two menfolk “talked shop” for most of the afternoon. Cf.: shop talk—a talk about one’s work or profession: The real power of the conference was the conversations in the hallways, the shop talk over coffee… talk-shop—(derog.) a center […]
Talk on something vs Talk over something
talk on something—speak at greater length on a subject; deliver a talk about a subject: I was asked to talk on the challenges which are likely to be faced by the scientific community. talk over something—discuss smth. more seriously and in greater detail: I have seen numerous couples relax considerably when they talked over with […]
Talk English vs Talk in English
talk English—use the language in conversation: The team leader was German with a funny northern German accent when she talked English. I could understand her very well. talk in English—have a discussion or conversation in English: The two ladies talked in English with Mr. Atwater, and I talked and laughed with the two children close […]