a/the world of difference

a world of difference

1. A stark contrast. There's a world of difference between high school classes and college classes. A: "Do these muffins taste anything like they did on Saturday?" B: "No way, there's a world of difference. They're stale now for sure." There's a world of difference between your old junker, and, well, any car on the market.

2. A vast improvement. A fresh coat of paint has made a world of difference in that old house. Wow, moving around that furniture has made a world of difference. The room doesn't feel nearly as cramped as it used to. Organizing my receipts has made a world of difference. Now, I don't dread doing my taxes!

a/the ˈworld of difference (between A and B)

(informal) a lot of difference (between A and B): There’s a world of difference between ‘speed’ and ‘haste’.