open a book on something—(Bookmakers) take bets on certain contests: There is a good deal of interest in the outcome of this ballot, so I thought it might be fun to open a book on the event. an open book=—used of a person or thing that can be readily examined or understood: He kept to […]
Difference between An only child and The only child
an only child—a child without any brothers or sisters: I was an only child and he was an only child. For those basic reasons, I’ve always felt a connection to him. the only child— 1. = only child, an: He was missing all the attention that was coming his way when he was the only […]
Difference between One’s time of life and Time of one’s life
one’s time of life— 1. is used with reference to a person’s age, specifically middle age: The ignorant will be apt to think it an occupation ill suited to my time of life. 2. (euph.) menopause in women: Aidan has already threatened me with psychiatrists. He says it is “my time of life.” time of […]
Difference between One’s take on something and One’s takeaway on something
one’s take on something—(coll.) one’s opinion on smth.: What’s your take on automobile electronics? Do they make cars more reliable, longer lasting, safer and cleaner? one’s takeaway on something—(coll.) the knowledge and skill one has obtained through some personal experience: My takeaway on the soy milk: It didn’t do me any harm.
Difference between One’s superiors and Superior persons
one’s superiors—people holding a higher position in an organization and having authority over a person mentioned: She toadied to her superiors when she really came face to face with them. superior persons—people occupying superior posts in society; the nation’s elite: It is only because miners sweat their guts out that superior persons can remain superior.
Difference between One’s second nature and One’s second self
one’s second nature—one’s deeply ingrained habit or tendency: I do feel more at ease when I’m behind a desk: It’s my second nature. one’s second self—a person with whom one has the closest possible ties (sharing beliefs, etc.): As to Miss Mirvan, she is my second self, and neither hopes nor fears but as I […]
Difference between One’s night off and One’s night out
one’s night off—a night free from work usually done at night: Whenever his “night off ” occurred he bought a ticket to the theater. one’s night out—an evening or night spent enjoying oneself in bars, clubs, etc.: For these people Lansdown Fair was, as they put it, their “night out.”
Difference between One’s mind is set and One’s mind wanders
one’s mind is set—one is determined about smth.: His mind was set—not only on earning a degree but also on studying at an elite school. one’s mind wanders—one fails to concentrate: I buy a puzzle book and try to concentrate but my mind wanders. What a week it has been.
Difference between One’s man and One’s own man
one’s man— 1. smb.’s servant or subordinate: He sent one of his men on shore for a commercial intercourse with the natives. 2. smb.’s loyal and trusted man: Kennedy bypassed Secretary of State … when he appointed his man, Averell Harriman, to negotiate a treaty with the Communists. 3. a woman’s husband, or lover: All […]
Difference between One’s lucky number comes up and One’s number comes up
one’s lucky number comes up—said of smb. who is lucky or has good fortune: My lucky number finally came up when I was chosen to go to Los Angeles to represent our company at the conference. one’s number comes up—(also: one’s number is up) 1. one’s turn for an interview, a haircut, etc. arrives: When […]
Difference between One’s life story and Story of one’s life
one’s life story—the account of the career of a person: I must have given her my complete life story and virtually tons of shoptalk about my job. Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase life history— 1. = one’s life story: He then started talking to her and she cut […]
Difference between One’s heart is cold and Warm someone’s heart
one’s heart is cold —(also: have a cold heart) said of smb. devoid of sympathy or feeling: If a man forgets an anniversary or neglects to say “I love you,” it doesn’t necessarily mean his heart is cold. warm someone’s heart—(also: warm someone’s blood) make a person feel eager or excited: Letters poured in upon […]