rat race— 1. said of a situation marked by hyperactivity and stress: I began to realize that the quality of life mattered more to me than the rat race in the office. Cf.: mouse race—(a play on “rat race”) a lower-stress lifestyle that results from moving to a smaller community or taking a less demanding job: […]
Difference between Rat on someone and Rat out on someone
rat on someone—(sl.) report smb.’s wrongful activities to the police, etc.: Kent is willing to do anything to get out even rat on his fellow convicts in order to get an early parole. rat out on someone—(sl.) 1. desert or betray smb.; leave a person at a critical time: He would never rat out on […]
Difference between Range of a rifle and Rifle range
range of a rifle—the maximum distance to which a rifle can fire bullets: It’s a powerful weapon but the range of this rifle is very limited. rifle range— 1. a place where one can practice shooting with a rifle: There was a rifle range nearby and Major Frimley taught rifle shooting to the girls. 2. […]
Difference between Rake over old coals and Rake someone over the coals
rake over old coals—(UK) try to bring back old problems that may cause trouble: What’s the point of raking over old coals? Opening every wound we thought was properly healed. rake someone over the coals—(U.S.) criticize or scold a person severely: He was raked over the coals for allowing the club to become the laughing […]
Difference between Raise one’s eyes and Raise one’s sights
raise one’s eyes —(also: lift up one’s eyes) look upwards: When the door opened gently, he never raised his eyes—he was only conscious that someone entered the room. raise one’s sights—establish higher goals for oneself: She seemed content as a paralegal, but we thought she should raise her sights and get a law degree.
Difference between Raise dust and Raise the dust
raise dust—cause a cloud of dust to rise: The galloping horse raised dust out of the dried mud in the gateway to the wood. raise the dust— 1. = raise dust: Whirlwinds raised the dust to a great height and moved over the plain like water spouts at sea. 2. (also: make a dust) cause […]
Difference between Rain day and Rainy day
rain day—(Meteorolog y) a day on which the recorded rainfall is not less than 0.01 inch: In July the average number of rain days is only four per month. rainy day— 1. a day having much rain: West Mediterranean islands have cooled off and can have rainy days, but walking is still pleasant. 2. (in […]
Difference between Rail car and Railroad car
rail car—a self-propelled railroad vehicle designed to transport passengers: Railcars are often used on minor railway lines where passenger traffic is sparse. railroad car—a coach for passengers on a train: Persons who drink at a bar, ride in a railroad car, or visit the theater without charge, are called dead heads.
Difference between Ragged blue line and Thin blue line
ragged blue line—(U.S.) the Union forces (who wore blue uniforms) in the American Civil war: A ragged blue line of four infantry regiments on line and one in reserve moved across the open valley. thin blue line—(UK) the police; the protective power of the law: You’ve heard about the thin blue line that protects property […]
Difference between Radio net and Radio network
radio net—a system of intercommunicating radio sets (such as used by a police force, etc.): A re-broadcast system had been installed which allowed them to monitor the police radio net. radio network—a system of radio stations; a broadcasting organization: This concern to tailor the news to the listener has even spread to National Public Radio, […]
Difference between Quite a few and Quite a lot
quite a few—a considerable number: There are quite a few people with Spanish surnames around here. quite a lot— = quite a few: Quite a lot of people will telecommute daily to their London offices while living on a Pacific island.
Difference between Question of the hour and Question of time
question of the hour—currently the most debated issue: It is the living question of the hour, and not the dead story of the past, which forces itself into all minds. question of time—said of smth. that is thought certain to happen sooner or later: Baby-sitting having become firmly established, it was only a question of […]