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 […]
Tell tales vs Tell the tale
tell tales— 1. tell about smb. who has done smth. wrong; inform upon a person: Teachers hate children who tell tales about their friends. 2. give away private information to outsiders: You’ve no business to know that. Somebody’s been telling tales. 3. tell a made-up story with the object of deceiving or arousing sympathy: David’s […]
Television serial vs Television series
television serial—a story on television which appears in parts (usually at regular times): The novel has recently been dramatized as a television serial. television series—a set of television programs, each complete in itself, that deal with the same subject: He is the co-author of the popular television series “Yes, Minister.”
Telephone girl vs Telephone man
telephone girl—an operator in a telephone exchange: The telephone girl sits on her high stool as she produces alternate order and chaos at her switchboard. telephone man—telephone mechanic: Common usage among telephone men has led to the classification of telephone service as follows: local, suburban, toll and long distance.