charge like a bull at a gate—(Austral. sl.) act impetuously or with violence: I was naive, but also like a bull at a gate, charging forward without stopping for long to consider the consequences. charge like a wounded bull—(Austral. sl.) overprice an item or service: When waiters take your order, they often get you to […]
Difference between Channel Islands (UK) and Channel Islands (U.S.)
Channel Islands, the (UK)—a group of islands in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy: The Chausey islands are not generally included in the geographical definition of the Channel Islands but occasionally described as “French Channel Islands.” Channel Islands, the (U.S.)—(also: Channel Islands of California, the) a chain of eight islands located in […]
Difference between Change the scene and Change the scenes
change the scene—change the environment or social surroundings: The scene of the negotiation was again changed. It was shifted from England to Holland. change the scenes—(Theater) change the general appearance of the stage: The play uses Brechtian techniques to show the workings of theater as scenes are changed before your eyes.
Difference between Change something for something and Change something to something
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.