Jack of all trades— 1. a person who can do various types of work: Wolfenden described the background of a typical rural policeman. He has to be a Jack of all trades. 2. (derog.) a person who can do many different things but is not good at any of them: His critics sometimes described him […]
Difference between “It’s the same old, old story” and “Tell me the old, old story”
it’s the same old, old story—said of smth. bad that has happened many times before: It’s the same old, old story. The individual is having his economic sovereignty stripped from him to such an extent that he is no longer capable of managing his own affairs. tell me the old, old story —(derisive or sarcastic) […]
Difference between It’s no go and It’s not a go
it’s no go —(coll.) it is no use; it is impossible: Jack tries to get friendly with her but it’s no go. Suzie’s got attitude even Jack can’t handle. it’s not a go —(coll.) 1. it is not settled: It’s not a go at this date. If enough members indicate they want a convention we […]
Difference between It’s just the thing and That’s the thing
it’s just the thing—that’s exactly what one wants or needs: “Would this be suitable, madam?” “Yes, it’s just the thing.” Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase it’s just one of those things—used of an unpleasant happening one cannot account for or do anything to prevent: Now, my wife is a […]
Difference between It’s all over with someone and It’s someone all over
it’s all over with someone— 1. said of smb. who is completely finished: It’s all over with me…. I can bang off a popular song in the cabarets, perhaps; but that’s all. 2. said of a person who is dying: When he heard Bambi coming he ceased his convulsive movements and whispered: “It’s all over […]
Difference between It’s all in a day’s work and It’s all part of the game
it’s all in a day’s work—one doesn’t mind doing smth. because it is smth. to be normally expected: “It’s very good of you to bother….” “Please don’t mention it,” I said, rather stiffly. “It’s all in a day’s work.” it’s all part of the game—is used to tell that smth. is normal in the situation: […]
Difference between It’s all go and It’s all the go
it’s all go —(coll.) said when people are very busy or engaged in vigorous activity: It’s all go in the postal service at Christmas time! Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase all systems go—(derives from the U.S. space program) used as a statement of preparedness for an endeavor: Fund raising […]
Difference between It’s a case and This is not the case
it’s a case —(coll.) said of people who are in love: “One never sees anything of John now; he’s always with that girl of his.” “Yes, it’s a case all right.” this is not the case—it is not so; it is not true: Numerous organisms pass their whole life hovering in the ocean, while with […]
Difference between It takes two to make a bargain and It takes two to tango
it takes two to make a bargain—both parties must agree in order for a deal to be successful: “We decided you should make dinner tonight, right?” “No, we didn’t decide that; you decided that. It takes two to make a bargain.” it takes two to tango —(also: it takes two to make a quarrel) both […]
Difference between It is said that and It says that
it is said that—it is commonly believed that: Indeed, it is said that their use of red ochre on their bodies is what prompted the term, Red Indian. it says that—is used to introduce a reference or quotation: In Genesis, it says that it is not good for a man to be alone; but sometimes […]
Difference between It is not true and It is untrue
it is not true— 1. it is false or erroneous: It is not true that the future of British bird life is one of depleted numbers. 2. (coll.) it is amazing; it is incredible: You may be only thirtysix but you’re so dead old-fashioned it isn’t true. it is untrue — = it is not […]
Difference between It is not a question of something and There is no question of something
it is not a question of something—is used to tell that smth. is not a factor: It is not a question of education. Even highly educated people are biased against females. there is no question of something—there is no doubt about smth.: The coin has suffered from corrosion, yet there is no question of its […]