sit for someone— 1. serve as a babysitter for a child: It was easier for them to leave Bernard, who stays up forever reading anyway, to sit for his brother. 2. work as a babysitter in smb.’s employ: I sit for Mrs. Franklin every now and then. 3. serve as a model for an artist: […]
Difference between Sister ship and Sistership
sister ship—one of essentially similar ships, especially of the same owner: The firm decided to build a sister ship to the Lady Eliza. sistership—a community of women living together in a religious order, etc.: They are not to be bound by vows, but during their sistership to obey all the rules of the House.
Difference between Singlestick and Single-sticker
singlestick—a stick fitted with a hand guard, formerly used in fencing: There is a movement to revive fencing with the singlestick, a weapon that was historically used to represent the broadsword, cutlass or saber. single-sticker—(Nautical) a one-mast ship: A well-known sailmaker gives the following instructions for setting the sails of a 40-foot single-sticker.
Difference between Single-handed and With one hand tied behind one’s back
single-handed—perform smth. alone or unaided: Most of the work was done single-handed with some help from interested local residents and a few friends. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase with both hands— 1. with all one’s might; with overwhelming enthusiasm: The government seized the opportunity with both hands. In the […]
Difference between Sing the same song and Speak the same language
sing the same song —(also: tell the same tale) express the same ideas or opinions as another person: After you have been here twelve months, you will sing the same song as I do now. speak the same language —(also: talk the same language) have an understanding with smb. through similarity of outlook: We no […]
Difference between Sing like a lark and Sing like a nightingale
sing like a lark—sing gaily and cheerfully: Amelia came tripping into the drawing room in a white muslin frock … singing like a lark, and as fresh as a rose. sing like a nightingale—sing very beautifully: Holland comes from a musical family, his father played banjo and his mother sings “like a nightingale.” Note: Neither expression […]
Difference between Sing a different tune and Sing different songs
sing a different tune —(also: dance to another tune) change one’s attitude or opinion; act differently: Kelley was at one time pessimistic about the airport’s future. He now sings a different tune. sing different songs —(of two or more people) express different opinions about smth.: The burden of homelessness is great enough without two Government […]
Difference between Silverware (UK) and Silverware (U.S.)
silverware (UK)—articles, especially tableware, made of silver or an alloy of silver: All eight suspects in the case of the stolen silverware were subject to a rigorous interrogation. silverware (U.S.)— 1. = silverware (UK): Butler’s corrupt practices reportedly included stealing the silverware from the house in which he was headquartered. 2. metal eating utensils (such […]
Difference between Silver fox and Silverback
silver fox— 1. a North American fox (Canis Argentatus) with black silver-tipped hairs: She lunched at the Ritz yesterday in a black wig, a battle bowler and her silver foxes. 2. a southern African fox (Vulpes chama): The Cape or silver fox is found throughout the drier regions of South Africa. silverback—a male mountain gorilla […]
Difference between Silly money and Smart money
silly money— 1. a ridiculously large sum of money: Buying a house in central London will set you back close to a million quid—it’s just silly money. 2. (rare) a ridiculously small sum of money: Try the new helios range of binoculars, they are just silly money for what you get. Note: The expression does […]
Difference between Silicon Alley and Silicon Valley
Silicon Alley—(New York City) a nickname for an area in lower Manhattan, where there is a large concentration of hightech firms (a pun on Silicon Valley): The success of Silicon Alley has had less to do with the traditional technology-oriented policies … and more to do with the strengths of New York’s business sector. Silicon […]
Difference between Sign someone in and Sign someone on
sign someone in—register a person; record smb.’s arrival or admittance: Members must sign in any guests that they bring to the club. sign someone on—employ a person for a job (as by signing a contract): The men can only be “signed on” in the presence of the Board of Trade officer.