Cut and dried, which means finished, is the correct expression. The phrase comes from the timber industry, and refers to an area that has been cut clear of trees (clear cut). The supervisor’s plans are not as cut and dried as you think.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Curtains and Draperies
Curtains are smaller, less fancy, and typically easier to hang than draperies.
Difference between Currant and Current
Currant is a small red or black berry and part of the raisin family. Currants are grown for their use in jams, jellies, and preserves. Current is a flow of water or air in a direction, a flow of electricity, or the present time. Changes in water density can affect some ocean currents. An electric […]
Difference between Cue and Queue
Cue refers to a signal to begin something. The actors are getting their cues from the orchestra conductor. Queue refers to people or things in line. Is that your document or someone else’s in the print queue?
Difference between Croquet and Croquette
Croquet is a lawn game using mallets, balls, and wickets. Historians say croquet began as an outdoor version of billiards. Croquette is a small cake of minced food usually coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Beef stock, spices, potatoes, and meat made up the croquette’s filling.
Difference between Critique and Criticize
Critique (noun or verb) means a critical review of something. The professor’s film critique annoyed some people. Professor Ward critiques movies for the Saratoga Press. Criticize means to offer critical remarks about something. Tim criticized Walter for his indifference to politics.
Difference between Criteria and Criterion
Criteria is the plural form; criterion is the singular form. They identified 10 important criteria for their business plan. The most important criterion for us is customer acceptance. Note: Phrases such as a criteria, one criteria, or this criteria should be avoided. Also, a few writing authorities accept criterions as the plural of criterion.
Crises vs Crisis
Crises is the plural form and takes a plural verb.
Difference between Crevasse and Crevice
Crevasse is a deep opening or crack usually found in a glacier. Fran is standing too close to the crevasse of the glacier. Crevice is a narrow opening or crack in a wall, floor, or rock. A bat can find the smallest crevice to sleep in during the day.
Difference between Credible, Creditable and Credulous
Credible means believable. Though it’s a strange and unusual story, it seems credible. Creditable means worthy of praise or credit. The band gave a creditable performance in Syracuse. Credulous means gullible. Even a credulous fan doesn’t believe seats are still available.
Difference between Cream de mint and Crème de menthe
Crème de menthe is the correct phrase.
Cramp my style vs Crimp my style
Cramp my style is the correct phrase. It means prevent a person from acting freely or naturally.