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a private carrier who takes mail from a railroad station and delivers it to mailboxes: The “star route” system has been superseded by the admirable system of rural free deliveries.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 […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
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.
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 in for something and Stand out for something
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. […]
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.