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

Note:
The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with
the phrase grand old lady—
1
. = grande dame: When the 
1
960s
social revolution rolled round, Dorothy was hailed as the
“grand old lady of pacifism.” 2. used of a house, a ship, etc. that
are old, antique, or worthwhile restoring for posterity: This grand
old lady of sailing ship days rests in Port Vila Harbor.
grant concessions • make concessions
grant concessions —give special rights or privileges to a busi-
ness organization: Albania will grant concessions to two inter-
national oil groups this month to search for oil.
make concessions —come to a compromise (in order to end
an argument, conflict, etc.): The Prime Minister had been
urged to make concessions by the Irish government.
grasp at something • grasp something
grasp at something —
1
. try to seize smth.; grab at smth.: As
Timmy grasped at the branch, the last ounce of energy was
depleted from his small arms. 2. accept smth. (such as an offer,
proposal, etc.) most eagerly: Neoconservative politicians have
readily grasped at the opportunity.
grasp something —
1
. seize and hold smth. firmly with the
hand: Grasping the leaves of the plant firmly, pull the whole
plant up out of the ground. 2. comprehend smth.: Kitty only
imperfectly grasped the rudiments of the science.
grease spot • greasy spot
grease spot—a disease of turf grasses caused by a fungus:
Pythium blight, also known as grease spot, kills turf in small,
roughly circular spots (2 to 6 inches) that tend to run together.
greasy spot—a disease of citrus trees producing dark oily
spots on the leaves: Greasy spot is a fungus disease that attacks
all varieties of citrus grown in Florida.