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 […]
Difference between Off season and Off time
off season—(also: out of season) 1. at a wrong period: Because Eritrea was born off season, the world continues to put unfair demands on it and question its legitimacy. 2. said of a period of time other than the busiest or most popular for a particular activity: The country’s tourism sector would not immediately be […]
Difference between Off one’s stroke and On the stroke
off one’s stroke—(coll.) disconcerted or confused: Not that I enjoyed being shelled … but fear never paralyzed me or even pushed me off my stroke. on the stroke— 1. (of a clock or bell) on the point of striking or ringing: He dressed himself hurriedly, for the dinner bell was almost on the stroke as […]
Difference between Off one’s own bat and Off the bat
off one’s own bat—(coll.) 1. by one’s own efforts: I felt that I’d like to get some money off my own bat. 2. on one’s own initiative: Don’t think I’m being nosey, but you never tell me anything off your own bat. off the bat—(coll.) on the spot; right away: McGowan was also striving to […]
Difference between Off one’s head and Off one’s mind
off one’s head—(coll.) crazy or behaving as if mad (also: out of one’s head): He must be off his head to go jogging in this weather. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase off the top of one’s head—(coll.) without proper consideration; in an impromptu manner: He was impetuous and inclined […]
Difference between Off one’s hands and Out of one’s hands
off one’s hands—no longer under one’s responsible charge: The lawyer planned a vacation as soon as the case was off his hands. out of one’s hands—not within one’s competence or responsibility: I tried to prevent your name being dragged in, but the situation was out of my hands. See also: off hand / out of […]
Difference between Off one’s game and Off the game
off one’s game —(of a sportsman) playing badly: I backed Tommy when most folk thought he was off his game! off the game —(of a sportsman) not playing: When I am off the game or off work, the first few days I would like to relax at home with my family. Note: The expression is […]