foreshortening, for shortening

Foreshortening or foreshortening ( one word ) means a method of distorting a drawing or image to give the illusion of three dimensions--
The foreshortening gives the painting an odd look; maybe you could try a different angle.
See how the foreshortening makes the figure appear to exist in real space.

For shortening or for shortening ( two words ) means with the purpose or object of, or in consideration of ( for ) making something smaller in length ( shortening )--
How much did he charge for shortening the dress?
We still owe the tailor for shortening those pants.

For shortening ( two words ) may also mean in exchange ( for ) vegetable fat used in cooking or baking ( shortening )--
Can I substitute butter for shortening in this recipe?
You can use vegetable oil for shortening, if we're out of butter.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The foreshortening will look more realistic if you use a ruler for shortening the back legs of the table."

Note--"foreshortened" means distorted to give the illusion of three dimensions--
The drawing is foreshortened in the front; part of the figure seems to be close to the viewer.
Not to be confused with "for shortened", meaning suiting the purpose of  ( for ) [ something ] made smaller in length ( shortened )--
This is just the weather for shortened school days.

duct, ducked

Duct or duct means a conduit or tube throught which water, air, or some other substance can be conveyed--
You will need a professional to repair the duct.
Some duct tape ought to hold it for a while.
He had a blocked tear duct, and it was infected.

Ducked or ducked ( rhymes with duct ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "duck", meaning to stoop or bend, so as to avoid a blow or missile--
He ducked just in time; that was aimed at his head.
He swung, but his opponent ducked, and he missed.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He ducked just in time to avoid hitting his head on a heating duct."

ordeal, or deal

Ordeal or ordeal ( one word ) means a harsh, prolonged, experience; a trial or test of endurance--
Trial by ordeal was once used to prove guilt or innocence.
They needed a long rest after their harrowing ordeal.

Or deal or or deal ( two words ) means, as an alternative ( or ), to  take action with respect to something, most commonly meaning the distribution of cards in a game ( deal )--
Are you going to talk all night, or deal the cards?
Are you going to whine, or deal with the problem?

Or deal may also mean, as an alternative ( or ), plain wood planks ( deal )--
Do you want the table top made of plywood or deal?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When the ordeal was over, he didn't want to talk to the police, or deal with the reporters."

climatic, climactic

Climatic or climatic means having to do with the weather, or changing weather patterns or conditions--
Our ambassador wants to discuss climatic change with their president.
The lower crop yields are due to soil depletion; climatic changes have not affected the crops.

Climactic or climactic means having to do with the highest or most intense point; the climax--
There was a brief period of climactic tension, then everyone started yelling at once.
He is at a climactic point in his career; he's afraid he'd miss something while away on vacation.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The climactic point of the argument came when he denied the existence of climatic change."

Note--"climacteric" means a critical period or phase--
He believes that next year will be a climacteric, and that his life will change drastically.
It will take another two weeks for this fruit to reach its climacteric.

overly, overtly

Overly or overly means excessively; too--
He is often overly cautious; he won't try any thing new.
The manager can be overly exacting, but he pays us well.

Overtly or overtly means openly or publicly--
He was overtly hostile; there wasn't anything subtle about it.
He made the offer overtly; everyone knew about it.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He is overtly ambitious, and not overly sensitive to the opinions of his coworkers."

Note--"overlie" means to be over or upon, as covering or stratum--
A mat of leaves overlie the wildflower seedlings you are looking for.

goldbrick, gold brick

Goldbrick or goldbrick ( one word ) means to shirk work, usually by hiding--
Don't try to goldbrick in this outfit, soldier!
They would goldbrick most days, hiding behind the mess hall.
Goldbrick may also mean a person who shirks work, usually by hiding--
I'm going to fire that goldbrick when he comes in tomorrow.

Gold brick or gold brick ( two words ) means an ingot made of gold, the precious metal--
Don't bother, I wouldn't trade this sandwich for a gold brick.
The person who can guess how much that gold brick weighs will win it.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"That goldbrick wouldn't work steady if you paid him a gold brick a day."

flagon, flag on

Flagon or flagon ( one word ) means a large container for holding liquid, usually with a handle and a spout--
Innkeeper! A flagon of ale for my friends!
We're thirsty; hand over that flagon of mead.

Flag on or flag on ( two words ) means a design on cloth, meant to represent a nation or organization ( flag ), on top of or attached to something ( on )--
The flag on the coffin means the deceased was in the military service.
Put the flag on the pole, and don't let it touch the ground.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you can put that flag on the top of the tower, I'll buy you a flagon of ale."