walk the board—(Surfing ) move up and down one’s surfboard: Advanced beginners will learn how to better handle your board, surf down the line and walk the board. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase walk the plank— 1. (hist.) be murdered by drowning (when captured by pirates and forced to […]
Walk out of something vs Walk out on something
walk out of something—leave a conference, hearing, etc. suddenly (to show one’s opposition, etc.): He walked out of the meeting because he was extremely angry, and he didn’t want to say something he would regret. walk out on something— 1. fail to fulfill an agreement, promises, etc.: It remains to be seen if any of […]
Walk one’s chalks vs Walk the chalk
walk one’s chalks —(dated sl.) 1. make off; escape: We cannot believe that Brother Nicholas walked his chalks with the funds of the brethren. 2. move off: I gave Master Barlow due warning … and one fine morning I walked my chalks to try my luck. I fell in next day with a gentleman’s servant’s […]
Walk in on someone vs Walk into someone
walk in on someone—interrupt a person by entering a place: I couldn’t think of anything else to do. I was almost relieved when Hamilton walked in on me. walk into someone—run into a person; collide with smb.: I’m British enough to abjectly apologize every time someone walks into me.
Walk heavily vs Walk heavy
walk heavily—trudge wearily; move with difficulty (as from fatigue): She went down to the lines, walking heavily with her washing-basket full. walk heavy—(U.S. sl.) conduct oneself with an air of importance: Harry’s been walking heavy since he graduated.
Wake sleeping dogs vs Wake snakes
wake sleeping dogs —(also: wake a sleeping dog ) create trouble interfering with a precarious situation which is quiet: Some say that it is too early to fix any rules, or that it is really dangerous to do so: it might wake sleeping dogs. Cf.: let sleeping dogs lie—refrain from stirring up potential trouble: How many […]
Wait for the dust to settle vs Wait for the ink to dry
wait for the dust to settle—wait for things to calm down; avoid undertaking smth. because things are too chaotic: Fearful for their lives, many leaders have scattered, waiting in exile for the dust to settle. wait for the ink to dry—not be in a rush to do smth.; take one’s time: It is a little […]
Wait for someone vs Wait up for someone
wait for someone— 1. remain in a place in expectation of a person or thing: When she got there Tommy was waiting for her on the front steps. 2. (of things) be ready or available for a person to use: His car waited for him in the parking lot and he jumped behind the wheel. […]
Vital measurements vs Vital statistics
vital measurements—the measurements of a woman’s figure, specifically bust, waist, and hips: She is blessed with a slender body, but needs to find a way to stay in control of the vital measurements. vital statistics— 1. statistics concerned with births, marriages, deaths, etc.: The best data source for mortality is vital statistics of deaths with […]
Visiting book vs Visitors’ book
visiting book— 1. a book containing the names of persons to be visited: Julia will be missed at St. Christopher’s Hospital and by the many people in her visiting book. 2. a book for the signatures and comments of visitors to a museum, etc.: The Bishop went and wrote his name in the visiting-book at […]
Visit with someone (UK) vs Visit with someone (U.S.)
visit with someone (UK)—pay a visit to a person: Weekends we usually visit with my husband’s family. visit with someone (U.S.)—talk with smb. on a short visit: “When will I be able to see him?” “Right now, if you like. You can visit with him in his cell or see him right here in my […]
Van guard vs Vanguard
van guard—a guard for a railway van or a motor truck: Van guard travels with and guards contents of mail vans. vanguard— 1. the troops who march at the head of an army: The vanguard was composed of chasseurs of the line, hussars, and lancers. 2. the leaders of thought, taste, or opinion in literature, […]