Murderers’ row
an exceptionally intimidating group of people or things. It originally described a formidable 1920s New York Yankees lineup.
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Litmus test
In its figurative sense, a litmus test is a test that draws broad conclusions based on a single factor. By extension, the phrase also refers to a single factor that is useful for drawing a broad conclusion.
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Phial vs. vial (vs. vile)
Both refer to small containers for holding liquid. Vial is the more common speling in modern English. Vile is an unrelated word meaning disgusting, contemptible, or immoral.
Depository vs. repository
Depository = a place where things are deposited and stored. Repository = a place where things are stored. They essentially the same in their main sense, but in actual usage there are subtle differences.
Snake oil, snake-oil salesman
In modern figurative use, snake oil refers to a fraudulent remedy, especially one promoted and sold by a quack. The quacks who push these products are snake-oil salesmen.
Discomfit vs. discomfort
Discomfit = to throw into confusion, perplex, or embarras. Discomfort = to make uncomfortable. They tend to have much common ground.
Incent vs. Incentivize vs. Incentivise – Meaning & Difference
Both mean to provide incentive. Many people find both of these business buzzwords distasteful, but incentivize continues to grow more common and now appears outside business writing. Incent remains rare.
Je Ne Sais Quoi (or Jenesequa) – Meaning In English
an intangible, distinctive quality, especially of a person, that can’t be put in words.
Grateful vs. gratified
To be grateful is to be thankful. To be gratified is to be satisfied or pleased.