be out of spirits—be dejected or depressed: I was out of spirits at the thought of leaving all my family and friends for so long a time. lose all spirit—lose courage or confidence: The lad had been so badly treated, that he had lost all spirit.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Be out of one’s brain and Have brains
be out of one’s brain—(sl.) be very drunk (also: be out of one’s scull): By the time I arrived at the party he was out of his brain. have brains —(coll.) be very smart and intelligent: Don’t be fooled by her pretty appearance alone, this girl has brains to match!
Difference between Be oneself and Be oneself again
be oneself—behave in a way that is natural, especially in contrast to the affected manner: I wish you wouldn’t act the sophisticated lady. You’re far nicer when you are just being yourself. be oneself again—be in one’s normal condition of mind and body after an illness, emotional stress, etc.: After such a long illness, it’s […]
Difference between Be one too many and Have one too many
be one too many —(coll.) be more than a match for a person: I venture to prophesy that, between us, we shall be one too many for the Colonel. have one too many —(coll.) take more alcohol than one can drink: The man was a little tipsy; it looked like he had had one too […]
Difference between Be on top of someone and Top someone
be on top of someone— 1. (of an approaching vehicle) suddenly come too close to a person: It was raining and I couldn’t see anything until the car was right on top of me and I dove out of the way. 2. said of a small space where people find it difficult to have any […]
Difference between Be on the wire and Be on wires
be on the wire—(dated) be speaking on the telephone (also: be over the wire): He ought to have spoken to Nunez about the broken chain while he was on the wire. be on wires —(coll.) be in a state of nervous excitement or agitation: “I could not sleep,” began the Countess. “I was all, as […]
Difference between Be on the verge of something and Verge on something
be on the verge of something—be on the point beyond which smth. bad happens: The country was on the verge of ruin; the revolution was a matter of months. verge on something— 1. border on a particular area: The rear of the park verges on the river. You can see the railroad bridge downstream…. 2. […]
Difference between Be on the top line and Sweat on the top line
be on the top line —(coll.) be in the highest state of perfection, readiness, etc.: It cannot be but harmful to the patient to be attended by a doctor who through sheer exhaustion is not on the top line. sweat on the top-line —(sl.) be close to attaining or obtaining smth.: Here was I sort […]
Difference between Be on the side of the angels and Join the angels
be on the side of the angels—be on the side that is morally right: His motivation to stop whaling is on the side of the angels and I share it. join the angels—(euph.) die: They were all children once. One day, sooner or later they will all join the angels beyond the garden of death.
Difference between Be on the sick and Be sick
be on the sick —(coll.) be on sick list; receive sickness benefit: Dad used to be on the sick for a long time and couldn’t work. be sick— 1. be unwell; be affected by illness: When she was sick he wanted her to get the best doctor. 2. (have an inclination to) vomit: “Ouch!” said […]
Difference between Be on the mend and Mend one’s ways
be on the mend— 1. be getting better after illness: He has been on the mend under the excellent care by his wife Phyllis. 2. (of things) improve: The economy has been on the mend since the data in the report was gathered. mend one’s ways—improve one’s behavior, work, etc.: He is unlikely to mend […]
Difference between Be on the look-out for something and Look out for something
be on the look-out for something—be watchful wishing to find or acquire smth.: Restaurant manager Jose Padilla is always on the look-out for something new for his customers. look out for something—(also: watch out for something ) 1. be on the alert for smth. harmful or dangerous: There were signs everywhere warning people to look […]