Cool MateDelay vs The dead can wait
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Delay
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
The dead can wait
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Delay
| Delay | The dead can wait | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə dɛd kæn weɪt//🇺🇸 //ðə dɛd kæn weɪt// |
| Meaning | To make something happen later than planned. | A phrase suggesting that something can be put off or delayed. |
| Example | Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time. | In times of stress, remember that the dead can wait, and take care of yourself first. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of, considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of | urgent matters, current projects, immediate response |
| Antonyms | advance, hasten, expedite | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'delay' with 'defer' — 'defer' is often more formal., Using 'delayed' incorrectly in tense — check verb forms for accuracy., Overusing 'delay' in casual speech when simpler options like 'wait' are available. | Confused with urgency of other matters., Incorrectly interpreted as disrespectful., Used in overly lighthearted situations. |
| Usage notes | Use 'delay' when referring to postponing events or actions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'wait' might suffice. | This phrase is often used to express that urgent matters can be postponed, especially in relation to death or serious situations. It's suitable in both casual and formal contexts but may be sensitive given its topic. |
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Frequently asked questions: Delay vs The dead can wait
What's the difference between Delay and The dead can wait?
Delay: To make something happen later than planned. The dead can wait: A phrase suggesting that something can be put off or delayed.
Which is more common: Delay and The dead can wait?
Delay is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Delay: Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time. The dead can wait: In times of stress, remember that the dead can wait, and take care of yourself first.
Can I use Delay and The dead can wait interchangeably?
Not always. Delay and The dead can wait are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.