be at pains

be at pains {v. phr.}

To be extremely desirous to do something; to take the trouble to do something.

The captain was at pains to see that everybody got safely into the lifeboats.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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take pains

[take pains] {v. phr.} To do something very carefully and thoroughly. * /She had taken pains to see that her guests had everything that they could possibly want./ * /She […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

growing pains

[growing pains] {n.} 1. Pains in children's legs supposed to be caused by changes in their bodies and feelings as they grow. * /The little girl's legs hurt, and her […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

at pains

[at pains] {adj. phr.} Making a special effort. * /At pains to make a good impression, she was prompt for her appointment./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

pain

[pain] See: [AT PAINS], [FEEL NO PAIN], [GIVE A PAIN], [GROWING PAINS], [ON PAIN OF], [TAKE PAINS]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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