set one’s mind on something—wish for smth. strongly; be determined about smth.: We’ve definitely set our minds on a holiday in France this year. set one’s mind to something —(also: put one’s mind to something) devote a lot of attention to a task: Hata set his mind to the study of Japanese policies toward the […]
Difference between Set a stone rolling and Set the ball rolling
set a stone rolling —(also: set the stone rolling ) start smth. which may lead to serious or unanticipated consequences: He used to treat the opium abuse as the ancestors’ tradition. Anyway, this set a stone rolling, and a tiny seed of a big misfortune was planted… Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning […]
Difference between Serve one’s time and Serve time
serve one’s time— 1. do one’s service in the armed forces: I wish I could serve my time in the army; I would gladly serve of my own free will. 2. work as an apprentice for a fixed period of time: I thought I was a man and not a sniveling canting apprentice angel serving […]
Difference between Separate the men from the boys and Separate the sheep from the goats
separate the men from the boys—separate those who have great skill, courage, etc., from those whose abilities are more limited: The first part of the race is not really difficult; it’s the final three miles over rough and hilly ground that will separate the men from the boys. separate the sheep from the goats —(also: […]
Difference between Sensitive about something and Sensitive to something
sensitive about something—easily offended or worried about smth.: You really must stop being so sensitive about your accent. sensitive to something— 1. susceptible or vulnerable to smth.: If the enamel of your tooth has worn to where the sensitive part of the tooth is exposed, it can make your tooth sensitive to cold. 2. showing […]
Difference between Sensible about something and Sensible of something
sensible about something—showing a reasonable attitude towards smth.: Market research has shown us that people are far more health conscious and far more sensible about what they drink. sensible of something—aware of smth.; realizing smth.: How natural for a woman sensible of her humble circumstances not to wish to unveil the total intimacy of her […]
Difference between Senior citizen and Senior resident
senior citizen—(euph.) an elderly person; an old age pensioner: There are no euphemisms in Dutch for being old—no “senior citizen,” no “golden-ager.” Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase senior man— 1. a person superior to others in standing: “What if he refuses to go with them?” “They’ll be senior men, […]
Difference between Send something by return and Send something in return
send something by return—send smth. in the next post: You can request your free copy of our catalogue by filling in our request form and we’ll send it by return. send something in return—send smth. in exchange for smth. else: The bills they send out, and the checks customers send in return, account for about […]
Difference between Send someone out to grass and Send someone to grass
send someone out to grass —(coll., also: put someone out to grass) 1. send smb. on a holiday: There were a few strange faces: three or four wives with children sent out to grass from Athens. 2. send a person into retirement: The consultant-incharge of our clinic has accepted retirement. At three score and ten […]
Difference between Send someone down and Send someone up
send someone down—(coll.) 1. dismiss a student from a university: He escaped prosecution because of his family background but he was sent down from the University. 2. (also: send someone down the river) send a person to prison: The last case was about a plumber who charged a pensioner ￡2,000 to do a job that […]
Difference between Send someone away and Send someone off
send someone away— 1. make a person leave: I sent him away because I was tired of his idle chatter. 2. dismiss smb. from employment: News spread round that the teacher has been sent away on account of immoral behavior. send someone off— 1. start smb. on a journey, etc.: Mother always makes sure the […]
Difference between Send someone about his business and Send someone on business
send someone about his business—dismiss a person unceremoniously: “Well, send him about his business when he bores you, Edna,” instructed her husband as he prepared to leave. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase go about one’s business—attend to one’s own affairs: She never reacted to his verbal abuses in our […]