make no bones about something—be blunt and straightforward about smth.; speak about smth. openly: Lovecraft made no bones about being a complete atheist. make one’s bones— 1. (Underworld) kill smb. as requirement for membership in a criminal gang: Vito Corleone “made his bones” (first killing) in cold blood for dollars. 2. (sl.) earn a reputation; […]
Difference between Make much of something and Not make much of something
make much of something—regard smth. as important; value smth. highly: We’ve always made much of our high literacy rate, but somehow that hasn’t made us into a nation of readers. not make much of something— 1. have a poor opinion of smth.; treat smth. as unimportant: He has never made much of his World War […]
Difference between Make light of something and Make light work of something
make light of something—treat smth. as unimportant: My parents made light of my worry and told me to take no notice of what people said. make light work of something—do smth. easily and without much effort: You have worked hard all year, and should be able to make light work of passing the examinations.
Difference between Make leeway and Make up leeway
make leeway—provide a margin of freedom, as of activity, time, or expenditure: Because we had to expand we had to get so much more machinery, so you make leeway for all this in the budget. make up leeway—compensate that which has been lost or wasted (by doing extra work, etc.): There is a short break […]
Difference between Make it up to someone and Make it up with someone
make it up to someone—compensate a person for negligence, difficulties, inconvenience, etc.: If you’ll work overtime tonight, I’ll make it up to you by giving you Saturday morning off. make it up with someone —(also: make up with someone) settle a quarrel; make one’s peace with a person: I really want to make it up […]
Difference between Make it hot for someone and Make someone hot
make it hot for someone—(coll.) put smb. under pressure; make things difficult for a person: Maybe if we make it hot for them, they’ll leave. make someone hot— 1. cause a person to feel warm: I had to stay on the magnesium for another ten hours. It made me hot and nauseous and disoriented. 2. […]
Difference between Make it a federal case and Make out a case for something
make it a federal case —(also: make a federal case out of it) complain too much; exaggerate the importance of smth.: I’m not the only person in the family who smokes, but they’re going to make it a federal case. make out a case for something—(also: make a case for something) give good reasons why […]
Difference between Make hay of something and Make hay while the sun shines
make hay of something— 1. turn smth. to advantage: As long as politicians can make hay of the supposed “harm” caused to our citizens … they will be an annoyingly persistent part of the political landscape. 2. scatter things around in disorder: I recalled with poignant regret that Jack Winston and I had once made […]
Difference between Make free with someone and Make someone free
make free with someone—be too familiar or impudent in one’s behavior with a person: Having been with him and his family in Loch Broom I had the misfortune to make too free with a servant maid. make someone free —(also: set someone free) release a person from prison, slavery, etc.: Scott sued for his freedom […]
Difference between Make free of something and Make free with something
make free of something—be allowed or have the right to use smth. that belongs to smb. else: In some cases a couple would actually build for themselves a single cottage, but as a rule they were content to make free of each other’s private homes. make free with something—use smth. that belongs to smb. else […]
Difference between Make for something and Make up for something
make for something— 1. move or travel towards a place: We had now reached the Windward Passage and our old ship was making for the open sea. 2. promote smth.; contribute to smth.: Any international accord makes for a better understanding and recognizes the need for co-operative effort. make up for something—compensate or repay for […]
Difference between Make down a bed and Make up a bed
make down a bed—prepare sleeping accommodation not previously available (when one has a visitor, etc.): Are you going to sleep here tonight; if you are, my wife will make down a bed for you. make up a bed— = make down a bed: She made him up a bed on the high white divan in […]