stand in for something— 1. support a cause: Living in what looks like a remarkably nice housing estate, Topsy and Tim clearly stand in for classless society. 2. be in league with a person for mutual support or joint action: The policeman who “stood in” for this robbery saw the rogues depart with their plunder. […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Stand in for someone and Stand in with someone
stand in for someone—act as a deputy or replacement for a person: The actor might get injured so someone who looks like him should stand in for him in this scene. stand in with someone— 1. have an understanding or community of interest with smb.: Of course if you stood in with the chairman there’d […]
Difference between Stand guard and Stand on guard
stand guard—keep smth. in safety; take care of smth.: There the cattle are huddled together and the herders stand guard over them until morning comes. stand on guard—watch as a sentinel to prevent escape, attack, etc.: She is a regular woman’s righter … and was quite indignant when informed that she was not allowed to […]
Difference between Stand for someone and Stand up for someone
stand for someone—rise to one’s feet as a mark of respect for a person: Will all present in court stand for the judge. stand up for someone— 1. defend smb. who is being attacked; give one’s support to a person: One should always stand up for the weak and oppressed. 2. (also: stand up with […]
Difference between Stand down and Step down
stand down— 1. leave the witness box in a court of law after giving evidence: The examining counsel is only too glad to get rid of such a witness, and very soon tells him to stand down. 2. (of smb. in authority) resign from one’s position or yield one’s chance of election: Despite mounting criticism, […]
Difference between Stand away from something and Stand clear of something
stand away from something—move backwards from smth.: Jonny took a deep breath as he stood away from the computer, still staring transfixed at the screen. stand clear of something—remain at a distance from smth.: The conductor gave the command to “stand clear of the closing doors” and we were on our way uptown again.
Difference between Stand at ease and Stand easy
stand at ease—a military attitude allowing less freedom of posture than “stand easy” (personnel aren’t allowed to talk and their hands are clasped behind their back): After the command “Stand at Ease” was given Lt. Colonel Broome gave a short but never to be forgotten speech. stand easy—a military attitude allowing a greater freedom of […]
Difference between Square up to someone and Square up with someone
square up to someone—show courage in confronting a person: In the street was a group of lads obviously waiting for. I had little option but to square up to them. square up with someone— 1. pay smb. the money one owes (leaving a restaurant, checking out of a hotel, etc.): Can I leave you to […]
Difference between Square john and Square john broad
square john—(U.S. sl.) an upright, respectable man: “What does a ‘square John’ mean? Does it mean an ordinary lawabiding citizen?” Mr. Owen-Flood asked. square john broad—(U.S. sl.) an honest respectable woman: We need a square john broad to give this place a look of respectability.
Difference between Spy on someone • spy someone
spy on someone—watch or follow smb. secretly, usually with hostile intent: She was constantly spied on, written about, talked about, followed around. spy someone—catch sight of smb.; notice a person: There is great danger if the hippopotamus spies the huntsman before he can throw his spear.
Difference between Spring green and Spring greens
spring green —(of color) light green: The cottages were painted uniformly white, and had blinds of a bright springgreen color. spring greens—a variety of cabbage that matures in spring: Vegetables which can be cooked in this manner—cauliflowers, brussels sprouts, spring greens.
Difference between Spreadboard and Spreading board
spreadboard—a machine that spreads flax and hemp in ropemaking: The flax fiber is delivered to the mills, where it is hackled to separate and straighten the fibers, overlapped on a spreadboard. spreading board—a board used by entomologists for insect specimens: To drive a pin smoothly through the insect’s thorax, stick it in the cork groove […]