A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[add up] {v.}
1. To come to the correct amount.
The numbers wouldn't add up.
2. {informal}
To make sense; be understandable.
His story didn't add up.
[add up to] {v.}
1. To make a total of; amount to.
The bill added up to $12.95.
2. {informal}
To mean; result in.
The rain, the mosquitoes, and the heat added up to a spoiled vacation.
[ad lib] {v. phr.}
To improvise; interpolate during speech.
When the actress forgot her lines during the second act, she had to ad lib in order to keep the show going.
[a few] {n.} or {adj.}
A small number (of people or things); some.
The dry weather killed most of Mother's flowers, but a few are left.
In the store, Mary saw many pretty rings and bracelets, and she wanted to buy a few of them.
* /After the […]
[afoul of] {prep.}
1. In collision with.
The boat ran afoul of a buoy.
2. In or into trouble with.
The thief ran afoul of the night watchman.
Speeders can expect to fall afoul of the law sometimes.
[afraid of one's shadow] {adj. phr.}, {informal}
Scared of small or imaginary things; very easily frightened; jumpy; nervous.
Mrs. Smith won't stay alone in her house at night; she is afraid of her own shadow.
* /Johnny cries whenever he must say […]
[a friend in need is a friend indeed]
A genuine friend on whom one can always depend. — A proverb; often shortened to "a friend in need..."
* /When John's house burned down, his neighbor Jim helped him and his family with shelter, food and clothing. […]