stone frigate—(Royal Navy) naval barracks or a shore establishment named after the old frigates: She found that H.M.S. Mastodon was a stone frigate. It was Exbury Hall, about three miles up the Beaulieu River. stone ship— 1. a fossilized ship discovered in the course of archeological excavations: The discovery of this stone ship has created […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Stone fence and Stone wall
stone fence—(U.S. sl.) an alcoholic liquor: “Stone fence” is the euphonious cognomen given to whisky which is drunk with cider instead of water. stone wall— 1. parliamentary obstruction of a debate, bill, etc. by engaging in delaying tactics: The New Zealand Legislation indulged in what is known as a “stone wall.” 2. a body of […]
Difference between Stock author and Stock book
stock author—a person who writes plays which form part of a repertoire of a particular theatrical company: Jones keeps a stock author, and does not rely on outsiders. stock book—a book in which an account is kept of goods in stock: Love was a sentiment too elevated for one whose imagination dwelt habitually on the […]
Difference between Stick up for someone and Stick up to someone
stick up for someone—(coll.) take the part of smb.; defend a person (also: stand up for someone): I stuck up for him and said I had always found him to be honest. stick up to someone—(coll.) meet an opponent with courage; resist a person (also: stand up to someone): If there is no one who […]
Difference between Stick to one’s guns and Stick to one’s last
stick to one’s guns—hold fast to a statement, opinion, or course of action: We were all glad that Kit stuck to her guns about divorcing him. The proceedings took place very quietly… stick to one’s last—keep to what one knows; refrain from doing smth. that one is not good at: The view was that I […]
Difference between Stick one’s nose out and Stick one’s nose where it doesn’t belong
stick one’s nose out—(coll.) go outside: I’ll just stick my nose out to see if it’s raining. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase stick one’s neck out—(coll.) behave rashly; expose oneself to danger, criticism, etc. (also: put one’s neck out): You don’t have to stick your neck out, David—I’ll stick […]
Difference between Stick it to someone and Stick to someone
stick it to someone —(sl.) treat smb. badly or unfairly (overcharge a person for services, etc.): I guess I looked as if I had a lot of money and they decided to really stick it to me. stick to someone— 1. (also: stick with someone) remain loyal to a person; stay close (in the face […]
Difference between Stick man and Stickup man
stick man— 1. a figure that is drawn to represent people: I barely have the ability to draw a stick-man, so any semi-decent painting is going to receive my admiration. 2. (U.S.) a casino employee; a croupier: Then the stickman rakes in the dice, picks them up, and tosses them back to the shooter. 3. […]
Difference between Stick in with someone and Stick with someone
stick in with someone —(coll.) join another person as a companion (to share accommodation, etc.): My mother wants me to stick in with my uncle, who has no children of his own. stick with someone —(coll.) 1. (also: stick to someone) remain loyal to a person; stay close (in the face of danger, etc.): Stick […]
Stick at something vs Stick to something vs Stick with something
stick at something— 1. continue to deal with smth. or work hard at smth. (in spite of difficulties): He will stick at his task, although he’s going to be dumped when his contract expires. 2. refuse to go further; object to smth.: He will stick at a request to perjure himself. 3. be unable to […]
Difference between Stew in one’s own juice and Stew oneself
stew in one’s own juice —(also: fry in one’s own grease) suffer the consequences of one’s own actions; be left to one’s own devices: I left her to stew in her own juice for a week before I went to see her. stew oneself—fret oneself into a state of heated anxiety: The cashier was stewing […]
Difference between Step by step and Step for step
step by step—gradually; little by little: You’ll be guided step by step through the process of taking your manuscript and turning it into a printed book. step for step— 1. walking or riding evenly with another: Would you like a handsome dog that can match you step for step on long training runs? 2. keeping […]