A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[at one time] {adv. phr.}
1. In the same moment; together.
Let's start the dance again all at one time.
Mr. Reed's bills came all at one time and he could not pay them.
Syn.: [AT THE SAME TIME] (1).
2. At a certain time in the past; […]
[at one's beck and call] or [at the beck and call of] {adj. phr.}
Ready and willing to do whatever someone asks; ready to serve at a moment's notice.
A good parent isn't necessarily always at the child's beck and call.
[at one's best] {prep. phr.}
In best form; displaying one's best qualities.
Tim is at his best when he has had a long swim before a ballgame.
Jane rested before the important meeting because she wanted to be at her best.
[at one's door] or [at one's doorstep] {adv. phr.}
1. Very close; very near where you live or work.
Johnny is very lucky because there's a swimming pool right at his doorstep.
* /Mr. Green can get to work in only a few minutes because the subway […]
[at one's elbow] {adv. phr.}
Close beside you; nearby.
The President rode in an open car with his wife at his elbow.
Mary practiced for several years to become a champion swimmer and her mother was always at her elbow to help her.
Contrast: […]
[at one's feet] {adv. phr.}
Under your influence or power.
She had a dozen men at her feet.
Her voice kept audiences at her feet for years.
Compare: [THROW ONESELF AT SOMEONE'S FEET].
[at one's fingertips] {adv. phr.}
1. Within easy reach; quickly touched; nearby.
Seated in the cockpit, the pilot of a plane has many controls at his fingertips.
2. Readily usable as knowledge or skill; familiar.
* /He had several languages at […]