change something for something—take or give smth. in exchange for smth. else: On second thoughts I don’t care for this red tie. Could you change it for a green one? change something to something—change smth. so as to make it smth. else: When she marries, a woman usually changes her surname to that of her […]
Difference between Change of life and Changes of life
change of life—(euph.) menopause: The period occupied by this “change of life” ranges from two to four years, if not longer. changes of life—altered conditions in a person’s life: I have learned, through all the changes of life, the important lesson that it is not necessary to go through any stressful change alone.
Difference between Change hands and Pass from hand to hand
change hands—(of money, property, etc.) pass from one person’s possession to another’s: Scanlons used to be a really good pub but it has just changed hands, so I am not sure any more. pass from hand to hand—(of leaflets, etc.) continuously pass from one person to a series of other persons: She watched the note […]
Difference between Chance one’s arm and One would give his right arm
chance one’s arm—do smth. in the face of probable failure; take one’s chance of doing smth. successfully: He chanced his arm in pursuit of a world record and for a while looked like he might just pull it off. one would give his right arm —(hyperbolic) one is ready to give up his most valuable […]
Difference between Chance on something and Chance something
chance on something—find smth. by chance: I chanced on the transaction in the realty column of the paper. chance something—risk doing smth.: I don’t usually ride horses, but this time I will chance it.
Difference between Challenge someone on something and Challenge someone to something
challenge someone on something—dispute a person’s statement, remarks, etc.: I think Fred is wrong, but I won’t challenge him on his estimate. challenge someone to something—dare smb. to do smth.; invite a person to compete at smth.: Your opponent now has the chance to challenge you to a return game.
Difference between Chalk it up to someone and Chalk one up for someone
chalk it up to someone—(coll.) attribute smth. to or account for smth. by a person’s age, inexperience, etc.: I apologise for failing to recall what he said. Please chalk it up to me being an old guy and subject to memory failure. chalk one up for someone—(coll.) put smth. to a person’s credit: I give […]
Difference between Chairman of the board and Chairman of the boards
chairman of the board—the leader of a corporation’s board of directors: He was Chairman of the Board of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and remains a board member. chairman of the boards—(Hockey) a player who controls play along the boards: One of our sportsmen has been extended the ultimate compliment by the city of […]
Difference between Cause for something and Cause of something
cause for something—reason or motive for smth.: The grannies had no real cause for complaint of the furnishment of the tea table. cause of something—an event, person, or thing that makes smth. happen: It was not surprising to hear that hypertension was the cause of his death.
Difference between Cat’s whisker and Cat’s whiskers
cat’s whisker —(in old-fashioned crystal radios) a wire that makes contact with a semiconductor: Many of these receivers used the “cat’s whisker” type of crystal diode for detection of a radio signal. cat’s whiskers —(coll.) the acme of excellence; a person or thing most highly approved of: My new secretary thinks she is the cat’s […]
Difference between Cat’s paw and Pussyfoot
cat’s paw—a person used as a tool by another to accomplish a purpose, etc.: The eldest son, John, was a cat’s-paw in the financial schemings of the second son, Charles. pussyfoot— 1. a person who avoids committing himself; smb. who proceeds very cautiously: Modesty is not the same as subjection, and a well-bred lad does […]
Difference between Cat’s lick and Cat-lick
cat’s lick—(UK sl.) a brief wash: After having a quick bite, I had a cat’s lick, that’s my short bath and headed off for the hideout. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the compound calf-lick—(also: cowlick) a curl of hair on the forehead which will not lie smoothly: I would imagine that […]