Saint Anthony’s fire—an inflammatory disease of the skin caused by alkaloids produced by a fungus that infests rye and wheat: Outbreaks of Saint Anthony’s Fire were common in countries where populations subsisted on rye bread. Saint Elmo’s fire—a naturally occurring corona discharge from a pointed conducting object, such as a ship’s mast, etc.: Ball lightning […]
Difference between Saigon moment and Sputnik moment
Saigon moment—(usually in military contexts) used when people realize that they will lose or fail (originally of the U.S. negative experience in the Vietnam war): “We are waiting for the final chapter, for your Saigon moment,” a rebel commander bragged in a taunt to U.S. President Bush. sputnik moment—used when people realize that they are […]
Difference between Safety man and Safety officer
safety man— 1. a person responsible for safety: As John began to get into his diving things again he wished that somebody could be left in the boat as safety man. 2. a man guarding a temporarily disused mine-shaft: These officials, known as “safety men,” will eat their dinner in semi-darkness hundreds of feet below […]
Difference between Safe against something and Safe from something
safe against something—protected from possible dangers (such as fire, etc.) should they happen: I try to make sure my house is as safe against hurricanes as possible. safe from something—said of dangers that cannot possibly harm a person or thing: A person once infected with the smallpox is safe from having it a second time.
Difference between Rust bowl and Rust bucket
rust bowl—(U.S.) said of the declining industrial areas, especially of the Middle West: His policies are turning our great industrial Midwest and the industrial base of this country into a rust bowl. rust bucket—(sl.) 1. (U.S.) an old, worn and rusty ship: To try to get the jump on the weather, ore carriers will put […]
Russian Easter egg vs Russian egg
Russian Easter egg—hand painted wooden or porcelaine decorative egg: She plays an American wife who comes across a Russian Easter egg that has been in her family for years. Russian egg—an egg poached and served with mayonnaise on a lettuce leaf: I yelled an order for Russian eggs. It comes up a salad the size […]
Difference between Rush someone off his feet and Sweep someone off his feet
rush someone off his feet—(also: rush someone off his legs) exhaust a person by keeping him constantly busy: I’ve been so rushed off my feet that I’ve not had a moment to do anything except work. sweep someone off his feet—(also: carry someone off his feet) affect a person with overwhelming enthusiasm: I remember being […]
Difference between Running fit and Running fits
running fit—(Engineering ) contact of mechanical parts that permits free rotation or movement: A running fit is one in which an allowance is made so that a shaft will be free to rotate in a bearing. running fits—canine hysteria (an epileptic condition of dogs): After a few weeks the dogs began to exhibit signs of […]
Difference between Run up to something and Runup to something
run up to something—(also: run out at something ) amount to a figure mentioned; reach a sum: The first stage of the oil project will cost $4 billion, and later development costs will run up to $12 billion. runup to something—the period leading to an activity, such as election, etc.: Baker doesn’t think war is […]
Difference between Run something into the ground and Run something to ground
run something into the ground— 1. treat smth. so badly as to destroy it: The new owner ran the business into the ground. He had no set hours, gave bad service, failed to pay his suppliers…. 2. pursue or discuss a topic, etc. too much or too thoroughly (used showing disapproval): Hopefully, this news cycle […]
Difference between Run something down and Run something up
run something down— 1. lower smth. such as a flag: A few of us created a big diversionary distraction near the main entrance while two other guys snuck out and ran down the flag. 2. speak of smth. in a disparaging or critical manner: You always run my proposals down. You find every reason in […]
Difference between Run someone round and Run someone round in circles
run someone round— 1. drive smb. to a place: You have to go into one of Heathrow’s terminals and hire a car, they will run you round to the hire car places. 2. (coll.) perform the duties of a servant for a person: Don’t expect me to run you round for the rest of your […]