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

in the pipeline • in the tube
in the pipeline —in a state of development or preparation:
One such project in the pipeline aims to rehabilitate coastal
ecosystems.
in the tube —(sl.) at risk: If you find yourself in the tube in
this matter, just give me a ring.
in the right • on the right
in the right—morally correct in one’s behavior or judgment:
You are in the right in refusing to give in to them.
on the right—on the right side: Proceed for about one-half
mile around a curve, passing three houses on the right.
in the road • on the road
in the road —
1
. within the area of the road as distinct from
the pavement: Never stand in the road to hitchhike or conduct
business with passing motorists. 2. in smb.’s way; obstructing
passage: You’re in the road — we can’t work properly while
you’re standing there talking.
on the road —
1
. on the surface of the road: We had to drive
very carefully, as there was ice on the road. 2. traveling (as a
commercial traveler, etc.): We could not resist the sheltered
table and chairs which make life on the road so much easier.
3. (also: on the way) in good prospect of smth.: She is now
well on the road to becoming one of our most successful
actresses.
See also: in the way / on the way.
in the saddle • on the saddle
in the saddle —
1
. riding a horse: She was hardly in the saddle
before she called out “race you to the bridge.” 2. in a posi-
tion of leadership: It is his bad luck to be in the saddle when
his country has to decide which road it is now going to fol-
low.
on the saddle —on the seat of a bicycle or motorcycle: I was
just sitting on the saddle pushing the bike along with my foot
on the curb.
in the sea • on the sea
in the sea —in the waters of the sea: These fish are found in
the seas along the North Atlantic coast of America.
on the sea —
1
. on the surface of the sea: On the sea ice seldom
forms smoothly. Early storms break it and pack it in confusion.
2. on the coast, close to the sea-side: The duke abandoned
the city of Benevento and went off to another city, which was
situated on the sea.