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

private school (UK) • private school (U.S.)
private school (UK)—independent school that is funded
wholly by the payment of fees: I was a teacher in one of those
private schools, which was basically a very expensive crammer
for the sons of oil sheiks.
private school (U.S.)—independent school supported in part
by the public (state) funds: Douglas was sent to a swanky pri-
vate school but was still unable to pass the U.S. Army officers’
selection board.
See also: public school (UK) / public school (U.S.)
pro and con • pros and cons
pro and con —for and against (used as an adjective or adverb):
In these hot political times, the pro and con facts should be
presented and the people should voice their opinions.
pros and cons —(used as a noun) the arguments in favor and
in opposition: He would weigh the pros and cons of an issue,
then make up his mind.
proceed to something • proceed with something
proceed to something —move on to the next stage in smth.:
Sixty votes were required to stop debate and proceed to a vote
on the nomination for Pryor.
proceed with something —continue with the chosen activity:
The government will proceed with the talks and the outcome
will be presented to the committee.
profit from something • profiteer from something
profit from something —be benefited or gain advantage from
smth.: I have not solicited Professor Allen’s financial counsel,
but have profited from his advice on many other matters.
profiteer from something —make large profits unfairly, espe-
cially taking advantage of times of scarcity: When the war
ended, the traders who had profiteered from the shortage went
out of business.
prohibition law • prohibitory law
prohibition law —a law prohibiting the making or sale of
alcoholic drinks, specifically in the USA in the period 
1
920–
1
933: A petition will be circulated calling for repeal of the
state’s liquor prohibition law.
prohibitory law —
1
. a law prohibiting the making or sale of
alcohol: A prohibitory law was passed in Maine in 
1
846, and
in 
1
85
1
a more stringent one, including the provision for the
seizure and destruction of intoxicating liquors. 2. a law de -
signed to prohibit smth.: State and federal courts have previ-
ously recognized medical necessity defenses against the strict
prohibitory laws regarding marijuana.