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

pass something away • pass something off • pass
something out
pass something away —(of time) spend in a pleasant, easy
way: He passed the evening away looking at his collection of
stamps.
pass something off —
1
. choose not to notice smth.; ignore
smth.: The remark was intended as rudeness, but he passed it
off with a laugh. 2. (of forged currency, checks, etc.) put into
circulation or dispose of by deceit: What is not acceptable is
to pass off false documents as genuine.
pass something out—distribute smth. such as gifts, leaflets,
etc.: The exhibitors at the trade fair pass out free samples to
stimulate interest.
pass the time • pass the time of day
pass the time —spend one’s time; make one’s time less tedious
or monotonous: Confined to his bed for a whole week, Smith
passed the time catching up on his reading.
pass the time of day —exchange greetings or engage in small
talk with a person: Although I have spoken to him a number
of times, it was only to pass the time of day.
patient of something • patient with someone
patient of something —enduring suffering, etc. patiently
without complaining: He was most patient of injuries done
to himself, yet he would not endure any injury done to the
name of Christ.
patient with someone —able to control one’s feelings in deal-
ing with a person: He was always very kind and patient with
me, as he was with all people.
patrol car • patrol wagon
patrol car —a police car used in patrolling roads and streets:
Our patrol car got the call as “shots fired,” with the address
given. My partner and I responded.
patrol wagon —
1
. = patrol car: The patrol wagon, filled with
officers, was driven to the place at a breakneck speed. 2. (U.S.)
a police van for transporting prisoners: At first, the jail visitors
balked at riding to the prison in a police patrol wagon.