swear against someone—(legal) swear a charge against a person: No one endeavored to make him swear against the prisoner. swear at someone—use profane language toward a person: All the drivers were swearing at each other at the top of their voices.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Swallow the Bible and Swallow the dictionary
swallow the Bible—(U.S. coll.) perjure oneself (with reference to swearing on the Bible in a court of law): They will stick together, stretch conscience and at times “swallow the Bible.” swallow the dictionary—(coll.) use long or difficult words (used showing disapproval): Have you swallowed a dictionary? We shall have to sack this fellow if he […]
Difference between Susceptible of something and Susceptible to something
susceptible of something—capable or permitting of smth.: It is unfortunate that Borlase did not express himself more clearly, for his language is susceptible of two interpretations. susceptible to something—easily affected or influenced by smth.: There is one major flaw in Timon’s character. That is, he is very susceptible to flattery.
Difference between Suggestion about something and Suggestion of something
suggestion about something—an idea proposed with respect to smth.: If you have a suggestion about how we can improve our service, we would like to know about it. suggestion of something— 1. an indication of the presence or possibility of smth.: The word, though not uncommon even colloquially, has often a suggestion of archaism. 2. […]
Difference between Sugar daddy and Sweet man
sugar daddy —(sl.) an older man who gives expensive gifts to a young woman in return for sexual favors or companionship: Bill was having an affair with Sue Ellen, who happened to count on Marshall as her sugar daddy. sweet man—(sl.) a man who is fond of the society of women: Eddoes was a real […]
Suffer from a cold vs Suffer from the cold
suffer from a cold — have a viral infection of the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes:
Difference between Suck it up and Suck up to someone
suck it up —(sl.) make the effort required to deal with smth. difficult or unpleasant: The airline should have sucked it up and simply canceled the flights altogether when the weather situation became clear. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase suck it in—(sl.) pull in one’s stomach (to make oneself […]
Difference between Such as it is and Such as there is
such as it is—just the way it is (usually used to suggest that smth. is of poor quality): We must either accept the book, such as it is, or write another more worthy of credit. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase as such— 1. as that kind of thing: It […]
Such and such vs Thus and thus
such and such —(also: so and so) is used to refer to a person or thing whose name one does not remember or does not want to be precise: We don’t have to wonder, like the early explorers did, at what time we will reach such and such a location. thus and thus—(also: thus and […]
Difference between Succeed in something and Succeed to something
succeed in something—accomplish what is attempted or intended: The Dutch colonial rulers only partly succeeded in their efforts to buy the land of the Pasir people. succeed to something—inherit a title, position, etc. on the death of a person: Prince George was 58 years old when he succeeded to the throne on the death of his father.
Difference between Subway (UK) and Subway (U.S.)
subway (UK)—a pedestrian walkway built underneath major roads to enable to cross the road safely: Use the subway to cross to the north side of Whitechapel High Street, continue along and go left at Old Castle Street. subway (U.S.)—the underground railway transport system, usually in a large city: Allow enough time, even if traveling by […]
Difference between Substantial improvement and Substantive improvement
substantial improvement—considerable or significant improvement: Aerobic exercise can produce substantial improvement in mood in patients with major depressive disorders in a short time. substantive improvement—improvement that is real or actual: More than two years after the inter–Korean summit, substantive improvement in the security situation on the Korean peninsula remains elusive.