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

Note:
The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase
welcome home husband, however drunk you be
—(also: wel-
come home husband though never so drunk) a name for the plant
Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum): There is one plant that I
have come to rely on for its low maintenance qualities, it is
that of the houseleek, known as “Welcome Home Husband
However Drunk You Be.”
West Indiaman • West Indian
West Indiaman —(hist.) a sailing ship running to the West
Indies and the east coast of America: Compare the numbers
of men in a West Indiaman and in a Baltic or Hamburg trader.
West Indian —an inhabitant of the West Indies: American
Blacks are quick to perceive pronunciation differences on the
part of West Indians who migrate to cities like New York.
what an idea • what’s the idea
what an idea —
1
. that’s a great idea: They don’t fit very well
under the Christmas tree, but what an idea for that perfect
gift! 2. that’s preposterous; that’s most unreasonable: Pa looked
at ma stunned. Good heavens what an idea!
what’s the idea —(also: what’s the big idea) what’s the inten-
tion or purpose (is usually used to question smth. that is not
welcome): What’s the idea behind creating a game that’s part
way between Australian Rules football and Gaelic football.
what else can I do • what else can I do for you
what else can I do —(also: what more can I do) is used as an
way back
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expression of hopelessness or desperation: He came out with
a gun and said he would put an end to it. I called the cops
but what else can I do?
what else can I do for you—is used as an inquiry by service
personnel: “Here’s your prescription. What else can I do for
you?” said the pharmacist.