nothing to write home about—said of smth. that is nothing out of the ordinary or even inferior: Everything I bought was much more expensive, and the quality was nothing to write home about. that’s all she wrote—said when there is nothing more that one can say about smth.: We went out twice—once to the movies […]
Difference between Nothing but and Nothing if not
nothing but—nothing other than; only that particular thing: There is also a female sect called the Abstinents who make a vow to eat nothing but vegetables. nothing if not—is used to emphasize that a person or thing has a lot of that particular quality: Brunel was nothing if not determined, and by September the ship […]
Difference between Note paper and Notice paper
note paper—paper used for writing letters on: The letter, dated 15 September, was on notepaper headed “Executive Committee.” Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase music paper—paper ruled with the musical staff, for the use of musicians, etc.: Paul then played and sang it for me, and I wrote the notes […]
Difference between Not turn a hair and Turn of a hair
not turn a hair— 1. not show any sign of being troubled: Catherine adapted to the wilds of Africa amazingly well—she did not turn a hair at having lions walking past the back door. 2. be not affected by exertion: Hot! He had not turned a hair till we came to Walcot Church; …that horse […]
Difference between Not too hot and Too hot to handle
not too hot—(coll.) 1. not very good or satisfactory: A program denouncing the evils of capitalist society is matched by one showing that things under socialism are not too hot either. 2. (also: not so hot) feeling not so well: I woke up today feeling not too hot. My throat is sore and I think […]
Difference between Not to say and To say nothing of
not to say—is used to imply that one is content with a more moderate statement than that which might have been made: It is one of the handsomest counties … the farmers are as a whole well-to-do, not to say rich. to say nothing of—is used to emphasize the point by adding extra information: Much […]
Difference between Not say pea-turkey and Not talk turkey
not say pea-turkey —(coll.) not say a word about smth.; say nothing at all: How was I to know that Mary needed money, when she never said pea turkey? not talk turkey —(coll.) not speak honestly and in a straightforward manner: Being a salesman he could not talk turkey, and so his language had mixed […]
Difference between Not quite the thing and Quite the thing
not quite the thing— 1. not feeling well: Wilfrid took his arm … saying: “You’re not quite the thing today, sir.” 2. not quite suitable or respectable: I do not mean to set you against him, but indeed he is not quite the thing! quite the thing—suitable, proper, or very much in fashion: High boots […]
Difference between Not once and Not once or twice
not once—on no occasion; never: It’s not once in six months that Madame Baret’s coiffure is amiss. not once or twice—many times: Not once or twice in times gone by have I been friendly to her, and so will I be again.
Difference between Not much for something and Not much of something
not much for something—(also: not much on something) 1. not enthusiastic about smth.; having no liking for smth.: The party broke up a little after … I guess the Ramsays aren’t much for staying up late anyway. 2. not good or effective at smth.: I am not much for dream interpretation so the next morning […]
Difference between Not move a finger and Not move a muscle
not move a finger—(also: not lift a finger) not make the slightest effort to do smth.: It is unbelievable but my husband will not move a finger to help me on the domestic front. not move a muscle— 1. remain perfectly motionless: Find yourself a comfortable, out-of-sight place to sit, keep quiet, and don’t move […]
Difference between Not like the color of someone’s money and See the color of someone’s money
not like the color of someone’s money—be reluctant to take smb.’s money (because it is tainted in some way or for personal reasons): I’m not used to people telling me they don’t like the color of my money. see the color of someone’s money—have proof that a person has money and can pay: When I […]