A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[at cross purposes] {adv. phr.}
With opposing meanings or aims; with opposing effect or result; with aims which hinder or get in each other's way.
* /Tom's parents acted at cross purposes in advising him; his father wanted him to become a doctor; but […]
[at death's door] {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
Very near death; dying.
He seemed to be at death's door from his illness.
[at each other's throats] {prep. phr.}
Always arguing and quarreling.
Joan and Harry have been at each other's throats so long that they have forgotten how much they used to love one another.
[at ease] or [at one's ease] {adj.} or {adv. phr.}
1. In comfort; without pain or bother.
You can't feel at ease with a toothache.
2. or [at one's ease]
Comfortable in one's mind; relaxed, not troubled. — Often used in the phrase "put at ease" or […]
[at every turn] {adv. phr.}
Every time; all the time; continually without exception.
Because of his drinking, the man was refused a job at every turn.
[at face value] {prep. phr.}
What one can actually hear, read, or see; literally.
John is so honest that you can take his words at face value.
This store's advertisements are honest; take them at face value.
[at fault] {adj. phr.}
Responsible for an error or failure; to blame.
The driver who didn't stop at the red light was at fault in the accident.
When the engine would not start, the mechanic looked at all the parts to find what was at fault.
[…]
[at first] {adv. phr.}
In the beginning; at the start.
The driver didn't see the danger at first.
At first the job looked good to Bob, but later it became tiresome.
There was a little trouble at first, but things soon were quiet.
[at first blush] {adv. phr.}
When first seen; without careful study.
At first blush the offer looked good, but when we studied it, we found things we could not accept.
[at first glance] or [at first sight] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
After a first quick look.
At first sight, his guess was that the whole trouble between the two men resulted from personalities that did not agree.
* /Tom met Mary at a party, and it was […]