A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase it is a game of two halves— used to say that smb.’s for-
tunes or luck in sports, etc. may change: The history of British
Liberals is a game of two halves. Up to 
1
9
1
4, they enjoyed the
moral ascendancy in politics.
See also: it takes two to make a bargain / it takes two to tango.
that will be the day • those were the days
that will be the day —
1
. that will be a great day worth waiting
for: That will be the day when every class is a place where
every child has consistent, quality instruction. 2. (ironic) that’s
very unlikely (is used to express doubt following some boast or
claim by a person): “He says he’ll do the washing-up.” “That’ll
be the day!”
those were the days —is used as an expression of nostalgia for
a happier time past: Well, those were the days. It was a great
time for jazz in Chicago.
that will do • that will never do
that will do —that is enough; that will suffice: There’s a lot
more to tell about this process but that will do for now.
that will never do —is used to say that a situation is wrong
and unacceptable: “They served red wine with the chicken.”
“Dear me! That will never do!”
that’s about the size of it • that’s about your size
that’s about the size of it—(coll.) that sums up the situation;
that’s how things are (also: that’s about it): “The house is exactly
what we want, but it’s too expensive.” “Yes, I’m afraid that’s
about the size of it.”
that’s about your size —(sarcastic) one would expect that of
you: That’s about your size to send a threat through the mail,
but I notice you haven’t the guts to sign it.
that’s all right • that’s right
that’s all right—
1
. said to smb. who has just thanked you or
apologized: “I came to tell you how greatly our men appreci-
ated your help.” “Oh, that’s perfectly all right.” 2. it doesn’t
matter any more: I still don’t understand it. But that’s all right
now. I understand why I don’t, and that’s enough to be at
peace with myself at least.
that’s right—that’s correct: “Your name is Spanish, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right.”