possessed by something—having one’s mind dominated by some strong emotion: We drop anchor and, possessed by a powerful craving for a cold beer, row to the fish-stained docks. possessed of something— 1. being the owner of smth.: To dream that you are possessed of riches, denotes that you will rise to high places by your […]
Difference between Possess oneself of something and Possess something
possess oneself of something— 1. take possession of smth.: Diving below, he possessed himself of the money he had stowed away in his bundle when he came aboard. 2. appropriate smth. to one’s use, especially unlawfully or unfairly: By the aid of his brother who was bishop of Winchester, he possessed himself of the royal […]
Difference between Pork chop and Pork-chopper
pork chop—(U.S. dated sl.) a Black person who is willing to accept a position inferior to that of his white peers: A pork chop has not lost traditional subservient ideology of the South. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase carry on like a pork chop—(Austral. sl.) behave in a foolish […]
Difference between Pop music and Popular music
pop music—music that evolved out of the rock ‘n roll revolution of the 1950s and continues in a definable path to today: With extensive free distribution throughout the Internet, music videos are making a comeback as a promotional vehicle for pop music. popular music—a wide range of music (from vaudeville to heavy metal) that is […]
Difference between Poor boy and Poor little boy
poor boy—(U.S.) a large sandwich filled with a range of ingredients: Exploring Greenwich Village, I found Poor Boys, salami and cheese and chili peppers on great hunks of Italian bread. Cf.: poor girl—said of a smaller “poor boy”: The Briazz chain of lunch restaurants calls its entry the poor girl and packs it with salami, […]
Difference between Pony up for something and Pony up something
pony up for something—(U.S. coll.) make a request for smth.: Actually, I’m reading the e-book, but I already know I will pony up for the print version as well. pony up something—(U.S. coll.) repay the money one owes: Tell him to defer enrollment for a year. Otherwise, he’s got to pony up the whole amount […]
Difference between Point of no return and Turning point
point of no return—the point beyond which one must continue on his current course of action, because turning back would be too expensive or dangerous: We have finally reached the point of no return where the drums for peace are now louder than the drums for war. turning point—a decisive moment at which a very […]
Difference between Point at something and Point to something
point at something—show smth. by holding out one’s finger, etc.: All the boys went down to the beach and pointed at the great ship anchored there. point to something— 1. indicate the position or direction of smth.: The needle of a compass points to the north. 2. = point at something: Pembeh touched him on […]
Difference between Plug at something and Plug away at something
plug at something—(U.S. coll.) shoot at smth.: You can practice with your gun by plugging at the tree. plug away at something—(coll.) work hard and steadily at smth.: If I plug away at painting the room, I may get it finished tonight.
Difference between Plead for someone and Plead with someone
plead for someone— 1. (legal) address a court of law as an advocate on behalf of either the plaintiff or the defendant: Nawaz had boycotted the game of court proceedings and now he does not have even a lawyer to plead for him. 2. make an earnest appeal or entreaty for the person in whose interest […]
Difference between Play the gallery and Play to the gallery
play the gallery—act the part of spectators (applauding, etc.): We were constantly called in to play the gallery to his witty remarks. play to the gallery—set out to win popularity in a cheap and showy way: The attorney seemed less concerned with the furtherance of justice than with playing to the gallery of reporters. Cf.: […]
Difference between Play someone at his own game and Play someone’s game
play someone at his own game—return smb.’s hostile or unfair action with the like: Men used to come in the office and I never used to get introduced. So I’ve started playing them at their own game. play someone’s game— 1. advance a person’s plans or schemes, whether willingly or unintentionally: If I want him […]