oil spot strateg y—(Military) a tactic to secure an area to be used as a launch site for campaigns to other areas: The oil spot strategy is translated from the French tache d’huile, calling up the image of a stain that spreads out from a tiny spot. oil-spot someone—(Bus tours) accidentally leave behind a member […]
Difference between Offset something and Set something off
offset something— 1. counterbalance smth.: More had to be shifted to the opposite side of the plane to offset the weight of just two passengers. 2. compensate for smth.; neutralize smth.: Grants to public post-secondary institutions should be increased to offset the effect of inflation. set something off— 1. cause smth. to explode: When they […]
Difference between Offer one’s thanks and Thanks offering
offer one’s thanks—express one’s gratitude: First and foremost, I offer my thanks to John Meredith, who bore with me through the often frustrating production process. thanks offering—donation made to a charity, a religious organization, etc. as an expression of gratitude: In early Bible times the Israelites set aside part of their crops (grain, grapes and […]
Difference between Offense against something and Offense at something
offense against something—a violation or breach of a law, custom, rule, etc.: What is sin? It is an offense against religious or moral law. offense at something—feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or resentment at smth.: Humphrey expressed offense at yet another anti–gay marriage bill to be taken up in the Legislature.
Difference between Off work and Out of work
off work— 1. not working temporarily (owing to illness, etc.): Steven was off work last week. He had been bitten by the family dog. 2. not engaged in work: This was the first time she was going to see me during the day because she was off work. out of work—unemployed; unable to obtain work: […]
Difference between Off the shelf and On the shelf
off the shelf—(usually of clothing ) made in standard sizes and available from stock, in contrast to items made to order (also: off the peg ): Few would buy off the shelf clothes if tailor-made clothes were as cheap and as available. on the shelf— 1. in a state of inactivity or uselessness: The question […]
Difference between Off the peg and On the peg
off the peg —(usually of clothing ) made in standard sizes and available from stock, in contrast to items made to order (also: off the shelf ): Ship owners may buy vessels “off the peg” instead of each vessel’s being an individual tailor-made job. on the peg—(Military) on a charge or under arrest: If the sergeant […]
Difference between Off the hook and Off the hooks
off the hook— 1. (of a telephone receiver) not on its rest: Another phone crossed Sneed’s mind, the one in his own flat with its receiver off the hook. 2. (of a telephone)—ringing incessantly: Ever since his name appeared in the newspapers his telephone has been ringing off the hook. 3. (coll.) no longer in […]
Difference between Off the ground and On the ground
off the ground —(of a project, scheme, etc.) launched or started: With the school project now off the ground, Mr. Vaughn noted that the district will turn its attention to needed renovations. on the ground—on the spot where things are actually happening, not at a distance: The United Nations investigation on the ground concluded that […]
Difference between Off the cuff and On the cuff
off the cuff —(coll.) 1. speak unofficially or informally: Even when she spoke off-the-cuff to the audience, she did so at the keyboard, improvising over a drizzle of piano notes. 2. do smth. immediately; without consideration: I was not agreeing off the cuff that Bill’s getting into the Royal would necessarily enhance his prospects. on […]
Difference between Off the cards and Out of the cards
off the cards—(sl.) work unofficially and informally, without disclosing one’s income: There are a lot of retired people now. Quite a few of them work, some of them may be working off the cards. out of the cards—outside the range of probability: A future in professional sports is out of the cards for most of […]
Difference between Off the beaten track and Off the track
off the beaten track— 1. away from popular places; in an isolated, lonely place: The restaurant we’re going to tonight is off the beaten track. 2. away from familiar or usual subject: Our discussion only became really interesting when we got off the beaten track. off the track— 1. away from the planned route: We […]