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 […]
Difference between Catch up on something and Catch up with something
catch up on something—do unfinished work; do things that one has not had time to do until now: Confined to his bed for a whole week, Smith passed the time catching up on his reading. catch up with something—(also: catch up to something ) 1. overtake a bus, etc. by walking fast: Jane caught up […]
Difference between Catch up on someone and Catch up with someone
catch up on someone— 1. overtake and overcome a person: The police caught up on the men just as they entered a dark archway. 2. have a marked effect on smb.: I think his past is beginning to catch up on him. 3. (coll.) learn the news of a person: I’ve had a visit from […]
Difference between Catch someone’s eye and Catch someone’s look
catch someone’s eye—attract a person’s attention: I tried to catch her eye, but she was too engrossed in the book to notice. catch someone’s look—notice smb.’s glance: Howard laughed then stopped as he caught her look of disapproval.
Difference between Catch someone up in something and Catch someone up on something
catch someone up in something—deeply involve a person in smth.; wholly occupy smb.’s attention: The accident caught us all up in the resultant confusion. catch someone up on something—(coll.) tell a person the news of smth.: Oh, please catch me up on what your family is doing.
Difference between Catch someone on the wrong foot and Put a foot wrong
catch someone on the wrong foot—surprise a person when one is not ready or expecting smth.: I’m afraid you rather caught me on the wrong foot, asking for it at such short notice. put a foot wrong—(usually negat.) make the smallest mistake; make a blunder: He complained that if he put a foot wrong, the […]
Difference between Catch someone cold and Have someone cold
catch someone cold—(Sport) surprise one’s opponents when they are not prepared for an attack: Northern, seeking their eighth successive League win, were caught cold by Castleford. have someone cold—(U.S. sl.) have a person in one’s power or at one’s mercy: He’ll have to take whatever deal they offer him, they’ve got him cold for the […]
Difference between Catch one’s death and Meet one’s death
catch one’s death —(coll.) catch a severe cold that may be fatal (also: catch one’s death of cold): She had walked in the rain seeking a refuge and “catching her death” instead. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase catch someone dead—(coll., usually negat.) find a person in an embarrassing position: […]
Difference between Catch one’s breath and Get one’s breath again
catch one’s breath—be affected by a sudden emotion such as fear, excitement, etc.: To the rocketing bound of a good free horse you catch your breath, thankfully, happily. get one’s breath again—be relieved after exertion, excitement, etc.: The work goes on until Friday night, and then the break which gives one time to get one’s […]
Difference between Catch on to something and Catch up to something
catch on to something—figure smth. out; understand smth.: His sagacious mind immediately recognized and caught on to the only plan of salvation in sight. catch up to something—(also: catch up with something ) 1. overtake a bus, etc. by walking fast: Jane caught up to the bus that had almost left her behind. 2. keep […]