make difficulties—raise objections; make trouble: Mary’s father made difficulties when she said she wanted to marry a poor schoolteacher. present difficulties —(of things) create problems: The air-boat seems to us one of the best ideas; but the working of it presents many difficulties.
Difference between Make capital out of something and Make money out of something
make capital out of something—use a situation to one’s advantage: The women to whom Napoleon addressed himself were no longer adventuresses, who made capital out of their relations with him. make money out of something—gain or acquire money through some source: He had heard of people who made money out of shares, but that was […]
Difference between Make an observation and Take an observation
make an observation—(usually pl.) 1. monitor smth. carefully in order to examine: Mr. Thornton made numerous observations of the snow-clad peak. 2. determine the position of the sun or other heavenly body: An officer and two men were also stationed on land and were prepared to make observations. 3. make a remark or comment on […]
Difference between Make an exception for something and Make an exception to something
make an exception for something—treat smth. as a special case (as a token of particular favor or because of its unusual quality): Miss Clark did not attend films of which she had read the book, but she had made an exception for the trilogy. make an exception to something—refrain from applying or enforcing a rule, […]
Difference between Make an end of something and Put an end to something
make an end of something—abolish or eliminate smth.: The new meaning of a word, whatever it may be, does not make an end of the old. put an end to something—stop smth. from happening any more: The government is determined to put an end to terrorism.
Difference between Make amendments to something and Make amends for something
make amendments to something—correct smth., especially a piece of writing: She made a few amendments to the letter before signing it. make amends for something—atone for the harm one has done; make compensation for smth.: It made him wish to make amends for his former unkindness to the boy.
Difference between Make advances and Make an advance
make advances— 1. make progress: Since the introduction of radiography into surgery, many advances have been made in its application. 2. (Military) move forward on the enemy position: When the Red Army made advances into Germany, Goering moved his headquarters to Berchesgaden. 3. approach a woman in the hope of a romantic relationship: I’d be […]
Difference between Make a vow and Make one’s vows
make a vow—make a solemn promise or undertaking: There is a sect called the Abstinents who make a vow to abstain from everything that has enjoyed life, and to eat nothing but vegetables. make one’s vows—(also: make the vows) join a religious order; become a monk or nun: He made his vows two years later […]
Difference between Make a time for something and Make time for something
make a time for something—set a time or make an appointment for smth.: I enclose a form for you to fill in. We should make a time for me to inspect the damaged premises. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make a time about something—(U.S. coll.) make a fuss over […]
Difference between Make a stand against something and Take a stand against something
make a stand against something—oppose smth. actively: The teachers’ union has made a stand against violence, backing members who have threatened industrial action rather than teach disruptive children. take a stand against something—adopt a firm public position against smth.: Pennsylvanians should be proud of the officials who took a stand against violence and hatred in […]
Difference between Make a snatch and Take a snatch
make a snatch—(Underworld) commit an unexpected and quick robbery (also: do a snatch): The best way is to make a snatch and give legs for it, it’s better than loitering. take a snatch —(coll.) eat some meal hurriedly (when a chance occurs): He took only a snatch or light refreshment, returning immediately to his desk.
Difference between Make a show and Make a showing
make a show—(also: put on a show) display an outward appearance or semblance of smth.: The gardener was a very old man, somewhat deaf, who was only making a show of working. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase do a show—(coll.) attend an entertainment: People over a wide area would […]