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

in these days • in those days
in these days —at the present time: Even in these days of
radio and satellite communications, the U.S. Navy uses the
international alphabet flags.
in those days —during a period in the past: I’d prefer things
the way they were. People were happier in those days and there
was a great sense of community spirit.
in time • on time
in time —
1
. early enough for an activity; before it is too late
to do smth.: I got there in time to see several friends I hadn’t
seen in two months. 2. in the end; after a while: Ted and Jim
did not like each other at first but in time they became close
friends. 3. (Music) in the right rhythm: You need to play in
tune, but what about playing in time? Rhythm is part of the
musician’s trinity that also includes harmony and melody.
on time —
1
. at a prearranged or scheduled time; punctually:
The train, which was due at four o’clock, arrived exactly on
time. 2. (U.S.) on the installment plan; on credit: Everything
was bought “on time,” hardly any transactions involved cash.
Note: 
The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase
to time
— in conformity with the scheduled time: The buses on
this route seldom run to time.
See also: on the clock / on the hour.
in touch • within touch
in touch —in communication or contact with a person:
Moignon was in touch, on his behalf, with powerful American
agencies.
Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase at a touch— if touched, however lightly: These patio
doors slide open at a touch on warm summer days.
within touch —
1
. near enough to touch: The rough-hewn
roof was within touch, and sometimes we had to stoop, to
avoid hitting our heads. 2. within easy reach: Economic inte-
gration brought far-off countries closer. And what yesterday
seemed unreality and distant future, today is within touch.
in tow • on tow
in tow —
1
. (of a disabled vehicle) pulled along by the towing
vehicle: The broken-down car was taken in tow by a lorry. 2.
(coll.) following or accompanying smb.: Signaling to the door-
man to park his car, he disappears into the hotel with the
blond in tow. 3. under smb.’s control or guidance: Henry took
me in tow and suffered my impatience with the conservative
ways of our established institution.
on tow —(UK rare, also: under tow) = in tow 
1
: A man serving
a driving ban was jailed for four months after being drunk in
charge of a car on tow.