pick at something— 1. keep pulling smth. or scratch it with one’s nails: He sat there idly ruminating and picking at the tablecloth. 2. (of food) take small, selected pieces now and again: He was just picking at his food, not eating it. pick on something—select or choose smth.: We seem to have picked on […]
Difference between Pick at someone and Pick on someone
pick at someone—continually nag at smb.; find fault with a person: Why are you always picking at the poor child? pick on someone—single a person out for criticism, reprimand, etc.: Have you any idea why the Inspector should have picked on you first?
Difference between Physical exercise and Physical exercises
physical exercise—physical exertion of the body (such as walking, playing football, etc.) engaged in for health or amusement: We take no physical exercise, except riding or swimming. physical exercises—specific movements within a regimen of physical training: Physical exercises performed to the accompaniment of music may be a pleasant and stimulating way of passing the time.
Difference between Photo finish and Photo finishing
photo finish— 1. (Racing ) a finish so close that only a photograph can decide the winner: In the tense, final moments of the race she had craned forward with the rest to watch the photo finish. 2. a very close contest in an election, etc.: A photo finish was predicted by public opinion polls. […]
Difference between Petty cash and Small cash
petty cash—a small fund of money that a firm keeps for incidental expenses: Custodians of petty cash must ensure that any funds that have been spent will be replenished monthly. small cash —(usually attrib.) a small sum of money: This award will be given based on nominations by faculty in the form of a certificate […]
Difference between Pester someone about something and Pester someone for something
pester someone about something—annoy a person by constantly referring to a specific matter: Mrs. Buster is always pestering me about which dress to wear, which card to send, what color pen to use on the card. pester someone for something—trouble a person by continually asking for smth.: Inertia selling was the practice by which companies […]
Difference between Person of few words and Short-spoken person
person of few words— 1. smb. who does not speak much: Others who knew him say he was a person of few words, who usually spoke only when spoken to. 2. a person of action rather than words: Rose, also a person of few words, is known for getting the job done. No excuses, no […]
Difference between Permit of something and Permit something
permit of something—leave room for smth.: He must go quickly like a man bent upon urgent business which permits of no delay. permit something—allow smth.: If the owner does not permit smoking, people who wish to smoke can decide not to patronize that restaurant.
Difference between Performance art and Performing art
performance art—multimedia art form combining static elements with music, song, dance, film, and spoken dialogue: Performance art grew out of avant-garde movements, particularly in poetry and painting. performing art—an art (such as the dance, music, drama, etc.) involving public performance: I am delighted to know that the Prime Minister is interested in having a center […]
Difference between Per cent and Per cents
per cent—is used with preceding numerals in stating a proportion of smth.: During the 10 years, the entire population increased at the rate of 13 per cent. per cents—public securities bearing a specific rate of interest: The conversion of the four per cents into three and a half per cents was facilitated.
Difference between Peg someone down and Take someone down a peg
peg someone down— 1. force a person to keep to a decision, agreement, etc.: One can’t peg him down to one genre of music because each CD can span several genres. 2. have a fixed opinion of a person: She had already pegged him down as a lazy, boozing, drug-taking, and altogether irresponsible man. take […]
Difference between Peg leg and Peg legs
peg leg— 1. a wooden leg: McPhail has created a pirate crew consisting of animals dressed in pirate gear: eye patches and peg-legs included. 2. (sl.) a person who wears a wooden leg: See that peg leg over there? He lost his foot to a shark. peg legs—(U.S. sl.) pants which are tapered at the […]