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

science project • scientific project
science project—
1
. an investigation to discover the answer to
a scientific problem: The question for my science project was
if different solutions affected seed germination and growth. 2.
said of a difficult, complex task: Some advertisers think it’s a
science project. A lot of them have been slow to adopt online
advertising…
scientific project— = science project 
1
: In minutes the two
dedicated engineers were deeply engrossed in their scientific
project, totally oblivious to their surroundings.
scrap of paper • scrap paper
scrap of paper —said contemptuously of a document which
a party does not intend to honor: When constitutional
restraints on the government are most desperately needed, the
Constitution becomes nothing but a scrap of paper.
scrap paper —
1
. paper for repulping or reuse: Scrap paper is
used to make some forms of paperboard for packaging. 2.
rough paper for casual jotting: He made some preliminary
sketches for several hours on scrap paper.
scratch something off • scratch something out
scratch something off —
1
. remove smth. by abrasion: If you
place objects on the bumper while you are loading the rear
you will scratch the paint off. 2. write smth. hurriedly or care-
lessly: The usual scene, Jenny singing and me scratching off
letters for the second post.
scratch something out—cancel an item on a list, etc. by draw-
ing a line through it: I write you my letter straightforward,
and let you see all my scratchings out and puttings in.
screen test • screening test
screen test—
1
. a trial filming to determine whether an actor
is suitable: Then, when he [camera man] was through, she
went back to her work and gave her screen test no more
thought. 2. a medical check on a person to detect a possible
disease: Large numbers of women could receive a screen test
for carcinoma of the cervix.
screening test— = screen test 2: A swift and reliable system is
necessary to meet the ideal of offering every woman an annual
screening test.