king of waters—the name given to the river Amazon: There are many large rivers … but what are these, severally, to the “king of waters” on whose deep current fleets and navies may float. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase king of the sea— 1. a fabulous being that lives […]
Difference between King of metals and Queen’s metal
king of metals—gold: This king of metals will remain with us as long as beauty wishes to adorn itself and designers wish to create timeless classics in jewelry. queen’s metal—an alloy of tin, antimony, lead and bismuth: Queen’s metal serves also for teapots and other domestic utensils.
Difference between King for a day and King of day
king for a day—a person whose fame, popularity, etc., is but short-lived: Superintendent Michael Snow was king for a day in Middlefield this summer, serving as grand marshal of the town’s bicentennial parade. king of day, the—(poetic) the Sun: I have never seen Italy’s far-famed sky, but I do not think it could surpass that […]
Difference between King Charles’s head and King’s head
King Charles’s head—a subject that keeps on appearing in a person’s conversation: He talks about nothing but money—it’s becoming a King Charles’s head! Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase King Charles—short for “King Charles’s Spaniel”: A little “King Charles,” with a crimson ribbon round his neck is jumping on the […]
Difference between King bird and King of birds
king bird—an American tyrant flycatcher (Tyrannus carolinensis): If you ever saw a crow with a king bird after him, you will get an image of a dull speaker and a lively listener. king of birds—said of the eagle: The strength, keen vision, graceful and powerful flight of the eagle are proverbial, and have given to […]
Difference between Kill-time and Killing time
kill-time—an occupation which is not very useful or interesting, intended to pass away the time: It was such an utter loss to the reader, that he could not so well call it passtime as kill-time. killing time—said of the time at which an animal is fit to be killed: Hog killing time is a season […]
Difference between Kill the clock and Kill time
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 […]