Add color to something—(of a story, account, etc.) provide details that would interest and excite readers or listeners. The lecturer told a few jokes to add color to his talk. Give color to something—(also: lend color to something ) give plausibility to an account, etc. His torn clothing gave color to his story that he had been […]
Allowance vs Concession
Allowance and Concession both signify a change made by way of compromise or adjustment.
Ad nauseam vs Ad nauseum
This much overused phrase is often spelled incorrectly as ad nauseum.
Allot vs Assign vs Apportion vs Allocate
Allot, Assign, Apportion and Allocate mean to give as one's share, portion, role, or place.
Adapted for something vs Adapted to something
Adapted for something—(of things) made suitable for a new use, situation, etc. The book was adapted for television as a four-part series screened by the BBC. Adapted to something—(of people) accustomed or suitable to something. I am not adapted to this business. I was bred a farmer, and ought not to have left that occupation.
Adam and Eve on a log vs Adam and Eve on a raft
Adam and Eve on a log—(U.S. diners) two poached eggs with link sausage. Adam and Eve on a log are two poached eggs with link sausage, but there are plenty of other short order cook gems like “Bowl of Red” (chili peppers with meat). Adam and Eve on a raft—(U.S. diners) two poached eggs on toast. There were […]
Ad hoc vs Ad lib
Ad hoc refers to a specific purpose, case, or situation at hand. The committee was formed ad hoc to address the problem. Ad lib refers to something being spontaneous or unrestrained. Her impressive speech was 50% ad lib and 50% rehearsed.
Alliance vs League vs Coalition vs Fusion vs Confederacy vs Confederation vs Federation
Alliance, League, Coalition, Fusion, Confederacy, Confederation and Federation all agree in the idea of combination, chiefly political, for a common object.
Allegory vs Parable vs Myth vs Fable
Allegory, Parable, Myth and Fable are comparable as literary forms that typically tell a story for the sake of presenting a truth or of enforcing a moral.
Adam and Eve vs Adam-and-Eve
Adam and Eve— 1. said of men and women in general. The great dual law which makes Adam and Eve one humanity, the dry land and the seas one globe. 2. (U.S. diners) two poached or fried eggs. Diner lingo is one example of a mnemonic device that aids memory. “Adam and Eve” refers to two eggs, usually poached. […]
Allegory vs Symbolism
Allegory and Symbolism designate methods of representation in art. Both characteristically aim to represent concretely something that is abstract or for some other reason not directly representable.