that’s life —(also: such is life) that’s the way things happen (said with the implication that unpleasant events occur occasionally): It’s a pity Colin and Rowena got divorced, but then that’s life! this is the life—(exclam.) used as an admiring comment on a comfortable, enjoyable, and carefree existence: A sandy beach, plenty of hot sun, […]
That’s an idea vs That’s the idea
that’s an idea—that thought, proposal, etc. is worth considering: Well, that’s an idea all right. Not a good one, but it’s an idea. that’s the idea— 1. is used to indicate approval of what has just been said: “Shall I look and see?” “That’s the idea.” 2. that’s what smb. has in mind: Personal liberty […]
That’s all right vs That’s right
that’s all right— 1. said to smb. who has just thanked you or apologized: “I came to tell you how greatly our men appreciated your help.” “Oh, that’s perfectly all right.” 2. it doesn’t matter any more: I still don’t understand it. But that’s all right now. I understand why I don’t, and that’s enough […]
That’s about the size of it vs That’s about your size
that’s about the size of it—(coll.) that sums up the situation; that’s how things are (also: that’s about it): “The house is exactly what we want, but it’s too expensive.” “Yes, I’m afraid that’s about the size of it.” that’s about your size —(sarcastic) one would expect that of you: That’s about your size to […]
That will do vs That will never do
that will do—that is enough; that will suffice: There’s a lot more to tell about this process but that will do for now. that will never do—is used to say that a situation is wrong and unacceptable: “They served red wine with the chicken.” “Dear me! That will never do!”
That will be the day vs Those were the days
that will be the day— 1. that will be a great day worth waiting for: That will be the day when every class is a place where every child has consistent, quality instruction. 2. (ironic) that’s very unlikely (is used to express doubt following some boast or claim by a person): “He says he’ll do […]
That makes two of us vs Two can play at that game
that makes two of us— 1. is used to say that one is in the same position: She wanted reassurance. That makes two of us, he thought. 2. is used to indicate agreement with what another speaker just said: “I find the Church’s stance in this case absolutely revolting.” “That makes two of us, Chris.” […]
Test someone for something vs Test someone on something
test someone for something—perform a medical check on a person to detect a possible disease, etc.: The doctors tested him for malaria and other illnesses. test someone on something—ask questions to find out how much a person knows about a subject: The teacher tested me on my knowledge of French.
Test bed vs Tester bed
test bed—equipment for testing engines, etc. before their acceptance for general use: Once the engine was finished it was tested on a test bed, outside of the car it would be built into. tester bed—a bed with four corner posts and a canopy: We continued in this suburb three days, during the greatest part of […]
Tent-boy vs Tent-man
tent-boy—a young man whose job it is to have the tent put up and ready: Robert Blake plays a young tent-boy; tent-boy as opposed to house-boy since through half the movie the main characters were part of a caravan. tent-man— 1. a tent-dweller; a person who lives or lodges in a tent: I must admit […]
Tend something vs Tend to something
tend something—give care and attention to smth., especially smth. that needs constant supervision: He faithfully tended his garden all summer long. tend to something— 1. (also: attend to something ) take care of smth.; deal with smth.: “I thought I heard you talking,” she said as she tended to the fire. 2. be generally inclined […]
Ten Thousand Islands vs Thirty Thousand Islands vs Thousand Islands
Ten Thousand Islands—islands that lie off the southwest coast of Florida, USA: Marco Island is the largest of the socalled Ten Thousand Islands … that stretch from Naples down to the southern tip of the Florida mainland. Thirty Thousand Islands—islands that lie on the east side of Georgian Bay, Ontario (Canada): Georgian Bay Islands National Park is […]