discern between and

discern between (someone or something) and (someone or something)

To recognize the differences between people or things. I have a hard time discerning between Jim and Greg, but they are identical twins after all. You can discern between hydrangea and phlox by looking at their leaves.
See also: and, between, discern
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

discern between someone or something and someone or something

to detect the difference between people and things. I cannot discern between the dark trees and the dark sky behind them. I cannot discern between the person and the background.
See also: and, between, discern
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • discern between (someone or something) and (someone or something)
  • discern from
  • discerning
  • discern
  • discern (someone or something) from (someone or something)
  • discriminate between
  • discriminate between (someone or something)
  • (as) different as night and day
  • different as night and day
  • differ in