umbrella pine— 1. (also: stone pine) a species of pine tree (Pinus pinea) with branches at the top spreading like an umbrella: The umbrella pine has been growing here for at least two thousand years. 2. a tall Japanese evergreen conifer tree (Sciadopitus verticillata) with an umbrella-like ring of leaves: The English name “umbrella pine” […]
Two bits vs Two-bit
two bits—(U.S. coll.) twenty five cents; a quarter coin: Many saloons served the “choicest goods” and steam beer at two bits a glass. two-bit—(U.S. coll., attrib.) 1. of smth. that costs a quarter of a dollar: He smoked two-bit cigars and peered determinedly through steel-rimmed glasses. 2. (derog.) cheap; worthless: But people who took the […]
Twist someone’s arm vs Twist someone’s tail
twist someone’s arm— 1. persuade a person to do smth. by pressure: Nobody forced him to go there and nobody twisted his arm to make connections with dubious characters. 2. (joc.) “persuade” a person to have a drink, when no persuasion at all is needed: “That looks a nice pub over there.” “All right—you’ve twisted […]
Twin set vs Two-piece set
twin set—a woman’s sleeveless sweater and cardigan of the same color and style that are worn together: I thought of wearing a twin set to a symphony concert. two-piece set—(also: two-piece) a set of clothes of similar or matching material: Pajamas are usually sold as a two piece set with matching tops and bottoms.
Turn something on its head vs Turn something upside down
turn something on its head—(also: stand something on its head) cause a complete reversal of what is regarded as the norm: Suddenly, Jayne’s once sane life is turned on its head, and not even her closest friends are what they seem. turn something upside down— 1. reverse smth. physically: Wolfe uncorked the bottle and turned […]
Turn someone’s brain vs Turn someone’s head
turn someone’s brain— 1. cause mental disorder: The only possible explanation was that the poor girl’s illness and the loss of her lover had turned her brain. 2. make a person wildly agitated or distraught: Too much of this sort of work turns your brain. turn someone’s head— 1. cause a person to have too […]
Turn one’s back on someone vs When someone’s back is turned
turn one’s back on someone—abandon or ignore smb.; refuse to support a person: When he seemed to turn his back on me I felt bereft, really. But then one day he rang up and I could hear his voice shaking with emotion. when someone’s back is turned—do smth. when a person is not present or […]
Turn on the waterworks vs Turn someone’s water off
turn on the waterworks—(coll.) begin to cry (also: turn on the water tap): Sally turned on the waterworks when she got yelled at. turn someone’s water off—(coll.) make a person appear more modest (usually of smb. who is acting too arrogant): It took a scolding from the coach to turn Tom’s water off.
Turn on someone vs Turn to someone
turn on someone—(coll.) attack smb. with hostile words; speak angrily to a person: Why did she turn on me like that? Have I said something to offend her? Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase turn someone on—(coll.) cause a person to become interested or (sexually) excited: I went to bed […]
Turn in on oneself vs Turn oneself in
turn in on oneself—have as little as possible to do with other people: She has become introverted, turned in on herself, and has broken off contact with the world that she no longer knows. turn oneself in—give oneself to the police: It seems that Ford’s brother, Rod, had convinced him to turn himself in, although […]
Turn a trick vs Turn the trick
turn a trick —(sl.) 1. have casual sexual relations, especially for money: Some of the young prostitutes live at home and turn tricks merely for pocket money. 2. (Underworld) commit a successful robbery: Campbell’s claim was that he hadn’t turned a trick in a year but the money had to be coming from somewhere. turn […]
Tug at something vs Tug something
tug at something—pull hard at smth. such as a rope: Don’t tug at the leash or become impatient…. Your cat will be compelled to cooperate by your calm steadfastness. tug something—move smth. by pulling or dragging forcibly: Navigation is difficult with sand shoals; boatmen wade waist deep for more than an hour tugging the boat.