like water—(of money) spend in great quantity or recklessly: She spends money like water to create a luxurious home far beyond the means of her humble husband. like water off a duck’s back—(of criticism, etc.) have no effect or make no impression whatsoever: I keep telling him it’s foolish to gamble, but it’s like water […]
Difference between Like death and Like grim death
like death—(U.S. also: like death warmed over) feeling or looking very unwell or completely exhausted: Much of the time I feel like death. I am in rather a bad temper. like grim death—gripping smth. very firmly; clinging to smth. tenaciously: By clinging like grim death to the gunwale, we just managed to keep inside the […]
Difference between Like a wet rag and Like a wet weekend
like a wet rag—utterly exhausted: At the end of a day I’m just like a wet rag. All I’m good for is to plotz in a chair. like a wet weekend—sad and miserable: Try to be a bit more cheerful. I don’t want you standing around looking like a wet weekend.
Like a scalded cat vs Like a singed cat
like a scalded cat— 1. rushing madly without regard to where one is going: He leapt over the fence and was down the roadway like a scalded cat. 2. screaming in a shrill, piercing voice: But why should you squall like a scalded cat? like a singed cat—said of smb. who is better than appearance […]
Difference between Like a dream and Like in a dream
like a dream— 1. like smth. imaginary or unreal: How could a cat appear in my apartment? I looked up, and for a moment I thought the cat had vanished like a dream. 2. (coll.) said of smth. that functions exceptionally well: The car goes like a dream but I should get the belts changed […]
Difference between Like a clock and Like one o’clock
like a clock—(also: like clockwork) in an orderly way; with regularity and precision: He manages my whole farm like a clock. like one o’clock—(coll.) vigorously; eagerly: “Toads are valuable animals,” answers Jane. “They eat the snails like one o’clock.”
Like a bull in a china shop vs Like an elephant in the room
like a bull in a china shop—said of a rough or clumsy person who is very careless and often breaks things:
Difference between Light pen and Penlight
light pen—(Computers) a penlike device used to transmit information by moving the tip on the screen: The light pen provides users with a natural, easy to use alternative to traditional input devices. penlight—a small electric torch shaped like a pen: Miller had a pen-light in his hand and was looking at his watch.
Difference between Light in hand and Light of hand
light in hand—(of a car, boat, etc.) easy to manage or control: For its bulk it is admirably wieldy and light in hand. light of hand—skilful and swift: He was by far the best digger of them all; none so light of hand as he, so deft to extricate fragile objects… Note: The expression does […]
Difference between Light-fingered and Light-handed
light-fingered—having nimble fingers, especially for stealing: Jimmy’s name has become a synonym for a light-fingered burglar who can crack the combination of a bank vault. light-handed —(of an approach, style, etc.) gentle and restrained: The story is presented in a light-handed way through the eyes of an eleven year-old girl and is fast-paced and entertaining. […]
Difference between Lift up something and Uplift something
lift up something— 1. physically raise or lift smth.: The bathroom door was hanging by one hinge, and you had to lift it up at the edge in order to even close it. 2. elevate smth. in rank, honor, etc.: These studies discuss the attempt of the Chinese in Malaya to establish various organizations for […]
Difference between Lift the lid off something and Put the tin lid on something
lift the lid off something —(also: take the lid off something) expose or reveal smth. scandalous, shocking, etc. that has been hidden: They are all set to release their explosive video which will lift the lid off their work as undercover agents. put the tin lid on something —(also: put the lid on something) cause […]