kill the clock—(Sport) keep the ball away from the opposing team at the end of a game so that they cannot score: The Warthogs kept passing the ball back and forth among them so as to kill the clock. kill time—do smth. which is not very interesting while one is waiting for time to pass: […]
Kill an elephant vs Shoot the bull
kill an elephant—do smth. to excess; overdo things: Tagua palm is also called natural ivory. We found tagua all over the place and you don’t have to kill an elephant for it! Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase kill the rabbit— 1. (dated euph.) get a positive test result from […]
Difference between Kick one’s heels and Kick up one’s heels
kick one’s heels —(coll.) have nothing to do, especially while being kept waiting (also: cool one’s heels): I had to kick my heels for nearly two hours before I could see the boss. kick up one’s heels —(coll.) cast off one’s inhibitions and have a good time: I took two weeks for my holidays and […]
Difference between Kick against something and Kick something
kick against something—protest about or oppose smth.: They knew life … and it was as useless to kick against the laws of society as to interfere with the laws of nature. Cf.: kick against the pricks—protest about or oppose smth. without success (harming oneself by doing so): Somewhere in our teens or twenties most of […]
Difference between Key man and Key-holder
key man—a person who plays a leading or important role in smth.: One of the key men in this new method of assessing needs and opportunities is the local prefect. key-holder—a person who keeps the keys of a workshop, factory, etc.: Workmen were waiting outside ready to begin work for the day. The key-holder had […]
Difference between Kentish man and Man of Kent
Kentish man—(UK dated) a native of Kent born east of the river Medway: The strong Kentish Man, gave three proofs of his extraordinary strength before his Majesty. Man of Kent—(UK dated) a native of Kent born west of the river Medway: Man of Kent, a title claimed by the inhabitants of the Weald as their […]
Difference between Keep up with the times and Time-keeper
keep up with the times—remain informed about the latest news, fashions, etc.: For people who keep up with the times, this is the perfect opportunity to check out new products. time-keeper— 1. a person who records or manages the time: Band members will wait for the instruction of the time-keeper before going on stage. 2. […]
Difference between Keep to oneself and Retire into oneself
keep to oneself —(also: keep oneself to oneself ) remain unsociable; avoid meeting other people: He’d kept to himself on that trip, not really making eye contact or talking to the locals. retire into oneself—become quiet and unwilling to talk: When she saw that complaints did not alter me, she retired into herself, as it […]
Difference between Keep the wheels turning and Spin the wheels
keep the wheels turning —(also: keep the ball rolling) keep an activity, process, etc. going: His class interest tells him to supply the public with as much purchasing power as possible, to keep the wheels turning. spin the wheels—(U.S. coll.) act in a listless or unproductive manner: You will have to spend at least two […]
Difference between Keep the seat warm and Warm the bench
keep the seat warm—occupy a position temporarily for a person who is not yet ready or qualified to hold it: They are using Kim to just keep the seat warm till they find somebody who can win them an election. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase keep one’s seat—(also: hold […]
Difference between Keep the ball rolling and Keep the pot boiling
keep the ball rolling —(also: keep the wheels turning) keep an activity, process, etc. going: The first step is to feed your body healthy food so you’ll have the energy to keep the ball rolling. keep the pot boiling— 1. earn enough money to provide one’s livelihood: Not only has doing portraits of people kept […]
Difference between Keep something in mind and Keep something in one’s head
keep something in mind—remember and think about smth.; not forget smth: We have no vacancies now, but we’ll certainly keep your application in mind. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase keep one’s mind on something—(also: have one’s mind on something) continue to pay attention to smth.; not be distracted from […]