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

achieve peace • win the peace
achieve peace —achieve a state in which a nation or commu-
nity is not at war with another: Neutrality is essential if we
are to play a constructive role in achieving peace.
win the peace —carry out successful reconstruction after the
war: We may have had enough troops to win the war — but
not nearly enough to win the peace.
Achilles of England, the • English Achilles, the
Achilles of England, the —(hist.) 
1
. the name given to the
Duke of Wellington (
1
769–
1
852). 2. the name given to John-
Talbot, first Earl of Shrewsbury (
1
373–
1
453): This great cap-
tain, whose merit was acknowledged equally by friends and
foes, received the appellation of the Achilles of England.
English Achilles, the — = Achilles of England, the 2: This man
was John Talbot, known as the English Achilles, and hero of
countless battles.
act as angel • act like an angel
act as angel —act as a sponsor for a firm, organization, etc.:
It was agreed that he should act as angel to the enterprise.
act like an angel —be an excellent performer: She sings and
acts like an angel and is extremely pleased because Wolfgang
has served her extraordinarily well.
act as someone • act for someone
act as someone —perform as an interpreter, guide, etc.: I had
a local student who acted as my translator, as my Spanish is
extremely rudimentary.
act for someone —represent smb. as a barrister, etc., in a law
court: Mr. Bilmes agreed to act for me, attending court as my
legal representative.
act foolishly • act the fool
act foolishly —act without reason or good judgment: She
acted foolishly in her business dealings, trusting the wrong
people or not trusting her employees enough.
act the fool —(also: play the fool) deliberately act so as to ap-
pear eccentric or foolish: He was a small, puny lad who acted
the fool to stop himself being bullied.