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

hungry for something • starved for something
hungry for something —desiring smth. very much: We seek
individuals who are personally disciplined and hungry for new
experience.
starved for something —(also: starved of something) being in
great need of smth.: The relevant departments in the Univer-
sities are starved for new material.
I
I am listening • I hear what you say
I am listening —you have my attention, so speak: Sergius
again hesitated. “I am listening,” she said.
I hear what you say —
1
. I know what you mean and agree
with you: “I think it’s about time for a small revolution!” “I
hear what you’re saying.” 2. is used with the implication that
a person does not agree with his interlocutor: I hear what you
say, and you know why I’m not going to debate that with you
again today.
I have seen better • I have seen worse
I have seen better —(also: seen better) is used as a noncom-
hotter than a pistol
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mittal and not very positive judgment about smb. or smth.:
The Badge was an entertaining movie, though I have seen bet-
ter. It is worth catching if you want a mystery to watch.
I have seen worse —(also: seen worse) is used as a noncom-
mittal and not totally negative judgment about smb. or smth.:
Based on the reviews I had read, I wasn’t expecting the restau-
rant to be fancy looking — and it wasn’t, though I have seen
worse.
I say • I’ll say
I say —
1
. is used preceding an utterance to call attention to
it: Do you hear the rain, Mr. Caudle? I say, do you hear the
rain? 2. is used as an exclamation of surprise, delight, or dis-
may: I say, what on earth are you doing letting your eight year
old watch a TV show you don’t approve of?