close one’s eyes —(also: shut one’s eyes) pretend that one has no knowledge of smth.; ignore smth.: If the authorities choose to close their eyes, the only thing that will pry them open is public pressure. close your eyes and think of England —(also: shut your eyes and think of England) a humorous advice to […]
Difference between Close enough for government work and Close enough for jazz
close enough for government work—(U.S. ironic) is used to reflect one’s low opinion of the end result, quality of a product, etc.: For decades, the East German public was damned with merchandise that was “close enough for government work.” close enough for jazz—is used to say that while smth. is not perfect, it is close […]
Difference between Close down and Shut down
close down— 1. (of a shop, factory, etc.) cease doing business; stop production: The shop will be closing down for good on Saturday, so everything is half price. 2. (of a radio or TV station) stop broadcasting for the day: This station is now closing down and we wish you all good-night. shut down— = […]
Difference between Clock someone and Clock someone in
clock someone— 1. measure the time a person takes doing smth.: I doubt anyone will clock you on it. But if you’re selling your game you will be present at the booth a part of the day to promote it. 2. (Traffic Police) measure the speed of a passing car using radar gun (in order […]
Difference between Clip someone’s wings and Give someone wings
clip someone’s wings—restrain a person; restrict the scope of smb.’s activities: He could not succeed in clipping the wings of his restless neighbor. give someone wings—provide inspiration to a person: I love his belief in me. He has given me wings and convinced me I can do all things.
Difference between Clip one’s words and Clip the King’s English
clip one’s words—speak with affected clarity or precise articulation: Although he was usually fairly easy to understand, he had a habit of clipping his words so that they sounded extremely precise. clip the King’s English—(UK dated) pronounce words hurriedly and indistinctly when drunk (also: clip the Queen’s English): I only drink to get mauled but […]
Difference between Climb up the wall and Go over the wall
climb up the wall—(coll.) become very angry or distraught: Old Marks will climb up the wall if he hears I closed early. go over the wall— 1. leave a religious order: The world is always more interested in the one nun who goes over the wall than the thousands who don’t. 2. escape from prison: […]
Difference between Climacteric period and Climactic period
climacteric period— 1. the period of menopause in women: Psychological and social conditions influenced the presence of depression during the climacteric period. 2. a period of decisive importance: Barnes rendered specially valuable service in behalf of the Union during the climacteric period of the Civil War. climactic period—a period of greatest intensity in a series […]
Difference between Clever at something and Clever with something
clever at something—quick in learning and understanding smth.: Some of you boys and girls are very clever at working sums. clever with something—skilful in using a tool, etc.: She was a beader: she was that clever with her fingers she could do all kinds of things.
Difference between Clear something off and Clear something out
clear something off— 1. remove smth. unwanted in order to leave a clear space: Please clear your papers off so that I can serve dinner. 2. pay one’s debts, remaining payments, etc.: I hope to clear off my mortgage in a few months’ time. 3. dispose of the goods, etc. (selling them cheaply): The manager […]
Difference between Clear land and Clear the land
clear land—remove trees and brushwood (to cultivate the soil): I have been clearing land for eight days, and now begin to feel the effects of poison—from ivy, doubtless. clear the land— 1. = clear land: There were three ways by which the first settlers cleared the land. The first was called “slashing.” 2. (Nautical) maneuver […]
Difference between Clear away and Clear off
clear away— 1. (of clouds, fog, etc.) vanish; disappear: The mist cleared away as the sun came out. 2. clear the table: Mother always clears away when we have finished eating. clear off— 1. (coll., often imper.) be off; go away (also: clear out): I told them to clear off and threatened to call the […]