Cliché is an overused expression. Good writers usually try to avoid using clichés in their writing. Clique refers to a small, exclusive group of people. To the dismay of some, many cliques exist in their high school.
Be at the back of one’s mind vs Cast one’s mind back to something
be at the back of one’s mind —(also: be in the back of one’s mind) be vaguely aware of smth. that is not present in one’s conscious thoughts: There was at the back of his mind an idea, dimly seen at moments, never wholly comprehended. cast one’s mind back to something—think about smth. that happened […]
Combustible vs Inflammable vs Flammable vs Incendiary vs Inflammatory
Combustible, inflammable, flammable, incendiary, inflammatory, which are not close synonyms, since they apply to different types of nouns, are comparable because they mean showing a tendency to catch or be set on fire.
Be at someone’s service vs Be in someone’s service
be at someone’s service— 1. be ready to help or assist a person: I am at your service whenever you should need my advice. 2. (of things) be at smb.’s disposal or ready to be used: My car is at your service to take you around Rome and its surroundings. Note: The expression is not equivalent […]
Difference between Classic and Classical
Classic refers to a long-established, usually high, standard. Babe Ruth had a classic baseball swing. Classical refers to the arts, literature, and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. In music, classical means music from the 18th century European tradition, as opposed to pop or rock. Molly would rather play classical piano pieces.
Difference between Be at rest and Be resting
be at rest— 1. be in a state of physical or mental repose: He sat in his chair, still, but not at rest: expectant evidently. 2. (of an issue) be settled or decided: I never can take any office under the present rulers; so that question is at rest. 3. (euph.) be dead and buried: He […]
Difference between Clamber and Clamor
Clamber means to climb with difficulty and effort. While trying to clamber the wall, he caught his shoe and fell. Clamor means to shout, to make noise, to protest, or to demand. The questions from the crowd eventually rose to a loud clamor. Many people joined the public clamor to keep the school open.
Combination vs Combine vs Party vs Bloc vs Faction vs Ring
Combination, combine, party, bloc, faction, ring denote a union, either of individuals or of organized interests, for mutual support in obtaining common political or private ends.
Difference between Be at loose ends and Tie up loose ends
be at loose ends —(also: be at a loose end) 1. be without employment or fixed occupation: He was the only stranger in Cyprus who was thus at a loose end, as it were, and not on some professional duty. 2. be in an unsettled or uncertain situation: He’s at loose ends. Hates his work, […]
Difference between Citizen and Resident
A citizen is someone who has the full rights of a nation, either by birth or naturalization. A resident lives in a community but doesn’t necessarily have the rights of a citizen.
Colorless vs Uncolored vs Achromatic
Colorless, uncolored, achromatic mean without color. However, they are not freely interchangeable.
Difference between Be at each other’s throats and Cut each other’s throats
be at each other’s throats—be arguing violently; be very angry with each other: We cannot deal with tomorrow’s problems if we are at each other’s throats over economic issues. cut each other’s throats—harm each other’s interests, especially because of fierce competition: They are cutting each other’s throats in their eagerness to finish the work first.