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.
Difference between Protest against something and Protest something
protest against something—express one’s opposition to smth.: In a recent number of the Guy’s Hospital Gazette the editor protests against the too free use of students as blood donors. protest something—affirm smth. strongly against opposition: Rachel protested her innocence for those long twelve years, claiming that it was Daniel who fired the fatal shot.
Difference between Protective belt and Safety belt
protective belt— 1. a kind of supportive brace made of highly elastic material: Ballesteros wore a protective belt to cushion his aching back. 2. a long narrow strip of forest to protect crops, etc.: A sinuous, chaotic river with a thick protective belt of forests became a contained, channelized canal. safety belt—a strap attached to […]
Difference between Prohibition law and Prohibitory law
prohibition law—a law prohibiting the making or sale of alcoholic drinks, specifically in the USA in the period 1920–1933: A petition will be circulated calling for repeal of the state’s liquor prohibition law. prohibitory law— 1. a law prohibiting the making or sale of alcohol: A prohibitory law was passed in Maine in 1846, and […]
Difference between Profit from something and Profiteer from something
profit from something—be benefited or gain advantage from smth.: I have not solicited Professor Allen’s financial counsel, but have profited from his advice on many other matters. profiteer from something—make large profits unfairly, especially taking advantage of times of scarcity: When the war ended, the traders who had profiteered from the shortage went out of […]
Difference between Proceed to something and Proceed with something
proceed to something—move on to the next stage in smth.: Sixty votes were required to stop debate and proceed to a vote on the nomination for Pryor. proceed with something—continue with the chosen activity: The government will proceed with the talks and the outcome will be presented to the committee.
Difference between Pro and con and Pros and cons
pro and con—for and against (used as an adjective or adverb): In these hot political times, the pro and con facts should be presented and the people should voice their opinions. pros and cons —(used as a noun) the arguments in favor and in opposition: He would weigh the pros and cons of an issue, […]