none but—no other person or thing except the one mentioned: None but the very few could ever appreciate the ideal of the man, much less understand it. none other but—(also: none other than) is used to emphasize the importance of the person or thing mentioned: The architect was none other but James Gibbs, also famous […]
Difference between Nominate someone for something and Nominate someone to something
nominate someone for something—propose a person as a candidate for a position: A National Republican Convention will be held for the purpose of nominating candidates for President and Vice President. nominate someone to something—appoint a person to a position or office: The Popes have continued to nominate bishops to the lost Patriarchates; but these bishops […]
Difference between No worries and Not to worry
no worries—(Austral. coll.) that’s OK; no problem (used as an expression of reassurance): She asked me whether she could stay in my place during her stay in Singapore. “Sure, no worries,” I said. not to worry—(coll.) is used to say that smth. need not be a cause of concern: The government had no money, but […]
Difference between No word and Not a word
no word—no news or communication received: It’s been over a month and still no word. So as of now I will never order there again. not a word—not even one word, spoken or written: They seated themselves and ate their breakfast together, and still not a word was said. Note: The expression does not correlate […]
Difference between No thanks to and Thanks but no thanks to
no thanks to—without the benefit of help from smth.: Slowly, but surely—and no thanks to the BBC—the people of this country are wising up to the truth. thanks but no thanks to—is used as a polite way of refusing an offer: Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker says thanks but no thanks to any federal economic […]
Difference between No sooner … than and Sooner … than
no sooner … than—as soon as smth. happened; immediately that smth. happened: She had no sooner arrived home than her agent wanted to send her on another tour. sooner … than—do smth. in preference to smth. else: And yet, like everybody else, he would sooner use a clean cup than wash up a dirty one.
Difference between No question and No questions asked
no question— 1. is used to say that smth. is certain or definite: Indians are great spenders and no question they will welcome all the luxuries money can buy. 2. is used to say that smth. does not matter: It was quite expensive to acquire. But cost is no question when getting an anniversary gift […]
Difference between No less than and Nothing less than
no less than—(also: not less than) 1. at least the amount or number stated: Moscow expects no less than 5,000 Irish fans. Supporters of the Irish team will check in Moscow’s biggest hotels. 2. is used with the implication of surprise at the amount or number stated: They told us that no less than eleven […]
Difference between No good to someone and Not good to someone
no good to someone—of no use or advantage to a person: Information is no good to us if we do not know how to use and share it. not good to someone—said of smb. who is unkind to a person: She is not good to me and my children from another relationship. Note: The expression […]
Difference between No-go area and Restricted area
no-go area—an area to which entry is forbidden: The Duke has decreed the Royal Enclosure at Ascot a “no-go” area for the miniskirted or hotpanted lass. restricted area— 1. an area in which special security measures are employed to prevent unauthorized entry: Wellington Barracks is a restricted area and anyone who enters should have identification. […]
Difference between Nine-day wonder and Ninety-day wonder
nine-day wonder —(also: nine days wonder) said of smth. that causes great excitement for a few days but is likely to have been soon forgotten: She also predicted the scandal over her liaison with the former prime minister was a “nine-day wonder” which would soon blow over. Cf.: one-hit wonder—said of a group or singer […]
Difference between Night watch and Watch night
night watch— 1. a watch or guard kept during the night: I used to watch them [sharks] during the night watch, as their fins, above water, skimmed along, leaving a trail of light behind them. 2. (also: night watchman) a man employed to guard a building, block of offices, etc. at night: At a corner […]