pull someone down— 1. weaken a person in health: My mother tried to kill herself as her chronic degenerative disease pulled her down. 2. reduce smb. to a lower level morally; make smb. humble: His opponents often quoted the lackluster performance of the party during this time to pull him down. Note: The expression is not […]
Difference between Pull one’s wire and Pull wires
pull one’s wire—(sl., of a male) masturbate: Remember what I said about sex. Keep away from the maids and pretty boys. As for pulling your wire, that’s no occupation for a gentleman. pull wires —(also: pull strings) 1. obtain smth. through the influence of people one knows: Us guys pull wires to get jobs as […]
Difference between Pull one’s socks up and Work one’s socks off
pull one’s socks up—(UK coll.) make an effort to do better; improve one’s performance: Brian, you’d better pull your socks up if you want to pass the exam. work one’s socks off —(coll.) work very hard: I’ve been incredibly busy working my socks off for the last couple of months. See also: beat the socks […]
Difference between Pull on the heartstrings and Pull the strings
pull on the heartstrings —(also: tug at the heartstrings) stir deepest feelings or affections: The group’s songs have the ability to pull on the heartstrings of listeners and carry elevating messages of hope and warmth. pull the strings —(also: pull strings) 1. secretly exert influence and power: Tony’s uncle had the title of boss but […]
Difference between Pull it off and Pull it out
pull it off—cause smth. to happen; succeed in a difficult attempt: With Jean as leader of the party, the Liberals can pull it off. They can win the election. pull it out—(Sport) barely win; win just before the end: Despite Peyton’s extremely lackluster day we managed to pull it out with our running game and […]
Difference between Pull in one’s claws and Pull in one’s horns
pull in one’s claws—(also: draw in one’s claws) be less hostile and aggressive: Maybe his obviously terrible political tactics of the last few months have made him pull in his claws. pull in one’s horns —(also: draw in one’s horns) be less keen or active, and more careful: To buy when the buying is good, […]
Difference between Pull foot and Pull someone’s leg
pull foot—(dated) leave in a hurry; run with all one’s might: The whole crew pulled foot as if Old Nick had held them in chase. pull someone’s leg—(coll.) tease or mislead smb. humorously: Stanley knew they were pulling his leg, but instead of finding it amusing he felt uneasy. See also: drag one’s feet / […]
Difference between Pull a face and Pull a long face
pull a face—show one’s dislike, disgust, or derision by one’s facial expression: He pulled a face as if he had heard a slate pencil gritting against a slate. pull a long face—assume an unhappy, dismal expression: Peter pulled a long face when the results of the competition were announced.
Difference between Public school (UK) and Public school (U.S.)
public school (UK)—prestigious fee-paying independent secondary school, usually boarding: They called that kind of school a public school, which in England was the name for a private school which your parents have to pay quite a lot of money to send you to. public school (U.S.)—non-fee-paying school supported by public funds and controlled by a […]
Difference between Public house and Public housing
public house—a licensed saloon or bar: Both these sorts of public house are essentially working class; the blackcoat’s pub is another sort of place. Note: a) The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase public bar—(UK) a drinking room in a pub where drinks are sold at the counter, as contrasted with a […]
Difference between Provide cover against something and Provide cover from something
provide cover against something— 1. offer protection against rain, snow, etc.: The patios could be surrounded by porches that would provide cover against the rain. 2. insure a person against loss, damage, etc.: This will cover all the risks that are listed, but is extended to provide cover against accidents in the home. provide cover […]
Difference between Proud of someone and Proud to someone
proud of someone—(also: proud for someone) having or showing a proper pride in smb.: He’s my son, and he’s a chip off the old block, and I’m proud of him. proud to someone—thinking oneself superior to a person: You must not be proud to those who are less fortunate than yourself.