A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[at one's wit's end] or [at wits end] {adj. phr.}
Having no ideas as to how to meet a difficulty or solve a problem; feeling puzzled after having used up all of your ideas or resources; not knowing what to do; puzzled.
* /He had approached every friend […]
[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 pains] {adj. phr.}
Making a special effort.
At pains to make a good impression, she was prompt for her appointment.
[at present] {adv. phr.}
At this time; now.
It took a long time to get started, but at present the road is half finished.
At present the house is empty, but next week a family will move in.
[at random] {adv. phr.}
With no order, plan, or purpose; in a mixed-up, or thoughtless way.
He opened the letters at random.
His clothes were scattered about the room at random.
[at sea] (1) {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. On an ocean voyage; on a journey by ship.
They had first met at sea.
2. Out on the ocean; away from land.
By the second day the ship was well out at sea.
* /Charles had visited a ship in dock, but he […]
[at sea] (2) {adj. phr.}
Not knowing what to do; bewildered; confused; lost.
The job was new to him, and for a few days he was at sea.
When his friends talked about chemistry, Don was at sea, because he did not study chemistry.
Compare: [AT A […]
[at sight] or [on sight] {adv. phr.}
1. The first time the person or thing is seen; as soon as the person or thing is seen.
First graders learn to read many words on sight.
Mary had seen many pictures of Grandfather, so she knew him on sight.
[…]