spread oneself out—stretch out on the ground, etc.: It’s such a lovely spring day, exactly the kind on which one can spread oneself out under a tree and sleep the afternoon away. spread oneself thin —(coll.) exert oneself; try to do too many things: Your trouble is that you tend to spread yourself thin, so […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Sporting man and Sportsman
sporting man—a man interested in sport from purely mercantile motives (one who gambles at cards, on horse racing, etc.): Every sporting man is flattered if termed a sportsman, but it would be almost an insult to speak to a sportsman as a sporting man. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase […]
Difference between Sporting girl and Sports girl
sporting girl —(coll.) a girl with loose morals; a prostitute: Most of the women go out by the day as house-workers. There may be a few sporting girls, but if so they don’t work their own block. sports girl—a girl who is interested in or practices sport: Absolutely radiant and glowing, this active sports girl […]
Spine-chilling experience vs Spine-tingling experience
spine-chilling experience—said of a terrifying event or encounter that happens to a person: Have a spine chilling experience amidst the wildlife sanctuaries where you will see tigers in their natural habitat. spine-tingling experience—said of smth. very exciting or thrilling a person gets involved in: It was a spine-tingling experience to hear the call of kiwi […]
Difference between Spin control and Spin out of control
spin control—manipulation of news, especially political news: The conclusion: Either we are being lied to in an effort of spin control, or the people in charge of our government are incompetent. spin out of control —(of activities, events, etc.) change very quickly and in an uncontrolled way: The political situation in Bolivia is spinning out […]
Difference between Spend a fortune and Spend a penny
spend a fortune—spend a large sum of money: Williams was found guilty at his first two trials, and spent a fortune on appeals over an eight-year period. spend a penny—(UK euph.) visit a lavatory: Where’s the bathroom? Us girls are going to spend a penny! Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the […]
Difference between Speed zone and Speedway
speed zone—a section of road subject to a lower than normal speed limit: A plan to turn central Sydney into a 40 kmh speed zone has been met with concern by taxi drivers. speedway— 1. a road on which motor vehicles may travel fast: You can see it [mansion] any day you drive up the […]
Difference between Speculate in something and Speculate on something
speculate in something—buy and sell smth. with hope of profit through changes in its market value: These proposals are opposed by traders who speculate in oil. speculate on something—form opinions about smth. without knowing for certain: Do not speculate on what he would have done had he been there.
Difference between Specific criteria and Specified criteria
specific criteria—criteria relating to one particular thing, that is, not general: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual lists specific criteria that enable the clinician to establish a diagnosis. specified criteria—criteria named definitely; criteria included in the specifications: The student is asked to make a plan for a garden that meets specified criteria.
Difference between Speak without affect and Speak without effect
speak without affect—speak in a normal natural way not intended to impress others: Acting as actors, they speak without affect, in the mundane idiom of contemporary New Yorkers. speak without effect—speak in vain or to no purpose: The subject and the occasion are valueless, but it is equally true that, without a great subject and […]
Difference between Speak well for something and Speak well of something
speak well for something—give proof in favor of smth.; be strong evidence of smth.: His generous gift speaks well for his willingness to help others. speak well of something— 1. express a good opinion of smth.: To speak well of the past was a mortal sin and got you into trouble with the party theologians. […]
Difference between Speak something out and Talk something out
speak something out— 1. declare smth. openly and clearly: A large part of old novels speak out plainly and simply the notorious facts of the world, as men speak of them to men. 2. (Parliament) carry on the discussion of a bill, etc. till the time for adjournment is reached, and so prevent it from […]