stay off something—(also: stay away from something ) 1. keep at a distance from smth.; avoid approaching smth.: He just yells and waves his cane at them like an old man telling some kids to stay off his lawn. 2. be absent from classes, work, etc.: Some youngsters in their early teens have so many […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Stay good and Stay well
stay good —(of perishable products) remain suitable for consumption or use: A jar of olives is too much to eat all at once but once opened it doesn’t stay good for long. stay well—remain in good health: Once withdrawal is complete, many people, particularly those with long drinking histories, will need ongoing help to stay […]
Difference between Station man and Station master
station man—(Austral.) an owner or employee of a sheep or cattle station: The tribe departs to capture Harry, but one responsible tribesman manages to alert the station men. station master—a person who has charge of a railway station: This is a neat little station with the station master’s office on top of a small hillock […]
Difference between State House and State house
State House—(U.S.) the building where the legislature of a State meets: In the State House there are lots of paintings showing important events in Massachusetts history. State house—(NZ) a house owned and let by the government: In the building of State houses of high quality a suggestion as to necessary standards has been made.
Difference between State Enrolled Nurse and State Registered Nurse
State Enrolled Nurse—(UK) a nurse who has completed a two-year course and enrolled on a State register: The lettering on badges of State Enrolled Assistant Nurses will not be altered when the title is changed to State Enrolled Nurse. State Registered Nurse—(UK) a nurse enrolled on a State register and having a qualification higher than […]
Difference between Start off on something and Start up in something
start off on something—make a start on smth.: I actually started off on piano, which was my dream instrument. start up in something—start working in a trade or profession: When I started up in business I was running a market stall.
Difference between Start someone off on something and Start someone out in something
start someone off on something— 1. cause a person to start on smth.: This started him off on a hobby of dismantling old radios for parts to construct his many projects. 2. cause smb. to begin speaking at length: Start him off on the subject of meteorites, and it is hard to stop him. start […]
Difference between Stand on one’s feet and Stand on one’s own feet
stand on one’s feet—remain standing: He stood on his feet, twelve to sixteen hours per day, in front of a hot oven that never stopped circulating thousands of loaves of baking bread. stand on one’s own feet—(also: stand on one’s own two feet) be independent; rely on one’s own resources: I won’t lend you any […]
Difference between Stand up to someone and Stand up with someone
stand up to someone —(also: stick up to someone) meet an opponent with courage; resist a person: If you don’t stand up to this man, he will abuse you unmercifully. stand up with someone— 1. take part in a dance with a partner: I thought you were to stand up with Mr. Tomlinson the two […]
Difference between Star route system and Star system
star route system—(U.S.) mail delivery in a rural area served by a private carrier who takes mail from a railroad station and delivers it to mailboxes: The “star route” system has been superseded by the admirable system of rural free deliveries. star system—(Cinema, TV) the practice of promoting eminent actors in leading roles: It can […]
Difference between Stand in good with someone and Stand someone in good stead
stand in good with someone—be on friendly terms with a person; enjoy smb.’s favor: He should be able to do this favor for you, because he stands in good with the doctor. stand someone in good stead—prove to be useful or helpful to a person (in an emergency): Frank’s knowledge of Spanish stood him in […]
Difference between Stand off from someone and Stand out from someone
stand off from someone—(also: stand apart from someone) keep away from other people: Mary dislikes parties, and tends to stand off from everyone else if she does attend one. stand out from someone—be prominent or conspicuous in comparison with others: He stands out from among men for his brilliant mental powers.