a bad workman always blames his tools »
It is not the tools we use which make us good, but rather how we employ them.
|
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush »
It is preferable to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one.
|
a bit much »
More than is reasonable.
|
a camel is a horse designed by a committee »
An expression critical of committees
|
a cat can look at a king »
Alternative form of a cat may look at a king.1982, A J Ayer,
|
a cat may look at a king »
Even a purported inferior has certain abilities, even in the presence of a purported superior
|
a chain is only as strong as its weakest link »
An organization (especially a process or a business) is only as strong or powerful as its weakest person. A group of associates is only as strong as its laziest member.
|
a closed mouth gathers no feet »
One who does not speak can be certain he won't say anything embarrassing.
|
a cold day in Hell »
An event that will never happen.
|
a cut above »
Superior to; of a higher quality than.
|
a cut below »
Inferior to; of a lower quality than.
|
a day late and a dollar short »
Action that was taken too late and too feeble to be of any use.
|
a different ballpark »
Something totally unrelated or of a vastly different scale or scope.
|
a dime's worth »
An insignificant amount.
|
a drop in the bucket »
An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem.
|
a drop in the ocean »
A drop in the bucket.
|
a dumb priest never got a parish »
(Irish) Those who fail to speak up fail to get what they want.
|
a few sandwiches short of a picnic »
Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad.
|
a fool and his money are soon parted »
It is easy to get money from foolish people, especially rich ones.
|
a friend in need is a friend indeed »
A true friend is one who helps you when you are in need.
|
a gentleman and a scholar »
An admirable person.
|
a golden key can open any door »
Sufficient money can accomplish anything.
|
a good beginning makes a good ending »
Good beginnings promise a good end; start off on a good note to reap the benefits at the end.
|
a good man is hard to find »
Men who make good husbands or workers are rare.
|
a good voice to beg bacon »
Said in ridicule of a bad voice.
|
a great deal »
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
|
a house is not a home »
A home is not merely a building but requires inhabitants and a friendly atmosphere.
|
a into g »
Ass into gear.
|
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step »
even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point
|
a leopard cannot change its spots »
One cannot change one's own nature.1597, William Shakespeare, Richard II Act i, Scene 1 (First Folio):King. Lyons make Leopards tame.Mowbray. Yea but not change his ?pots.1611, King James Version of the Bible, Jeremiah 13:23:Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Chapter 32:End now all unkindness. Let us put the Jew to ransom, since the leopard will not change his spots, and a Jew he will continue to be.1918, Johnston McCulley, Thubway Tham's Inthane Moment:The leopard cannot change his spots, old boy.
|
a lie has no legs »
You can't get away with a lie, the truth will always come out.
|
a life of its own »
An independent existence with some characteristics of life.
|
a little bird told me »
Of information which was gathered from a source not to be overtly exposed.
|
a man is known by the company he keeps »
People are similar in character to their friends.
|
a man's home is his castle »
(US) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
|
a million times »
by a factor of a million
|
a miss is as good as a mile »
A failure remains a failure, regardless of how close to success one has actually come.
|
a new broom sweeps clean »
New management will often make radical changes.
|
a nod is as good as a wink »
The hint, suggestion etc can be understood without further explaining.
|
a notch above »
Superior to; of a higher quality than.
|
a number of »
Several of.
|
a penny saved is a penny earned »
A maxim for thrift that says that money not spent may be spent later, or may earn interest in the meantime
|
a picture is worth a thousand words »
Alternative form of a picture paints a thousand words.
|
a picture paints a thousand words »
A visualisation is a better description than a verbal description.1971, David Gates (of Bread), If, from Manna album:If a picture paints a thousand wordsThen why can't I paint you;The words will never showThe you I've come to know.1989, Alan Kay, quoted in K?o-tung Huang, Timothy D. Huang, Introduction to Chinese, Japanese and Korean Computing, World Scientific, ISBN 9971506645, p. 9:Most human beings, no matter how familiar they are with abstract symbols, respond to voice and images better than written language. In other words, A picture paints a thousand words.2006, Paul Shakespeare, Building a Dune Buggy: The Essential Manual, ISBN 1904788734, p. 52:See accompanying diagram: a picture paints a thousand words, and all that!
|
a pull of the hair for being unfair »
The general response to "A kick and a flick for being so quick", which is in turn a response in itself to "A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month".
|
a question of »
The important question is; the necessary question is.
|
a riddle wrapped up in an enigma »
Something very mysterious and hidden.
|
a rising tide lifts all boats »
Benefits provided to a few may lead to conditions that are beneficial to all.
|
a rolling stone gathers no moss »
A person who never settles in one place will never be successful.A person who does not keep active will grow mouldy.
|
a scholar and a gentleman »
An admirable person.
|
a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down »
An otherwise unpleasant situation can be pleasant when a pleasant aspect is deliberately introduced.1999, Eli Yassif, The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning, Indiana University Press, ISBN 0253335833, page 372,One is known as the "sweetening parable," that is to say a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Thus, when the aim is to preach to the people, to guide them along the "bitter," arduous path of upholding burdensome precepts and prohibitions, a tale can lighten the load, make the "medicine" easier "to swallow."2001, Maureen Reagan, First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir, Little, Brown, ISBN 0316736368, page 319,It put some fun into the tedious business of preparing for a presidential debate. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, right?2004, John Hoover, How to Work for an Idiot: Survive & Thrive... Without Killing Your Boss, Career Press, ISBN 1564147045, page 11,If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, a barrel of laughs can wash down the big pills you might need to swallow.
|
a stopped clock is right twice a day »
A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.
|
a watched kettle never boils »
Alternative form of a watched pot never boils.
|
a watched pot never boils »
A process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
|
abide by »
To accept a decision or law and act in accordance with it; to conform to; to acquiesce; as, to abide by an award.
|
abide by »
To remain faithful to something or someone; to stand to; to adhere.
|
abide with »
To remain or live with someone.
|
able seaman »
ordinary sailor
|
abominable snowman »
yeti
|
abound in »
To have something in great numbers or quantities; to possess in such abundance as to be characterized by.
|
abound with »
To have something in great numbers or quantities; to possess in such abundance as to be characterized by.
|
about time »
Close to the right time.
|
about time »
Far past the desired time.
|
about to »
Indicates something that will happen very soon; indicates that something is imminent.
|
about turn »
A complete change of opinion, direction, etc.
|
about turn »
An about face; a military command to a formation of soldiers to reverse the direction in which they are facing.
|
above and beyond »
More than is expected or required.
|
above board »
Honestly, reputably.
|
above one's bend »
Out of one's control or power.
|
above the law »
Exempt from the laws that apply to everyone else.
|
above the salt »
Of high standing or honor.
|
absence makes the heart grow fonder »
When someone or something is faraway, you realise how much you love (or miss) them or it.
|
abstract nonsense »
Details which involve diagram chasing.
|
abut on »
To border on.
|
accident of birth »
Reference to the fact that various benefits or detriments to the life of a person arise from the circumstances into which that person was born, these being entirely beyond his control.
|
accident waiting to happen »
A thing or situation which is almost certain to eventually lead to an accident.
|
according to »
According to him, every person was to be bought. - Thomas Babington Macaulay.
|
according to »
According to the directions, the glue takes 24 hours to dry.
|
according to »
Based on what is said or stated.
|
according to »
In a manner conforming or corresponding to; in proportion.
|
according to »
Our zeal should be according to knowledge. - Thomas Sprat.
|
according to Hoyle »
In strict accordance with the rules, especially of card games; in the proper or expected manner.
|
account for »
To explain by relating circumstances; to show that some one, thing or members of a group are present or have been processed.
|
ace in the hole »
A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
|
ace of spades »
The playing card belonging to the spades suit and featuring one pip.
|
ace up one's sleeve »
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
|
ache for »
To desire, or want something, or someone, very much.
|
acid test »
A rigorous test or appraisal of the quality or worth of something.
|
acid test »
To test for the truth.
|
acknowledge the corn »
To cop a plea; to admit to a small error but not a larger one.
|
across the board »
A racing bet where one bets that the same competitor will place in first, second and third.
|
across the board »
Pertaining to all categories or things.
|
across the pond »
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
|
act like a bull in a china shop »
To act rudely or clumsily in a delicate situation.
|
act on »
To act decisively on the basis of information received or deduced.
|
act one's age »
To be mature and not childish.
|
act out »
To go through the process of a scene from a play, a charade or a pointless exercise.
|
act out »
To express one's feelings through disruptive actions.
|
act up »
To misbehave; to cause trouble.
|
act up »
give trouble
|
actions speak louder than words »
It is more effective to act directly than to speak of action.
|
ad fontes »
Go to the sources: An expression emphasizing the importance of conducting fundamental research and of consulting primary sources.
|
adams ale »
water
|
add fuel to fire »
To inflame a situation, to make a situation worse.
|
add fuel to the fire »
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
|
add insult to injury »
To further a loss with mockery or indignity.
|
add up »
To take a sum.
|
add up »
To accumulate; to amount to.
|
add up »
To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.
|
add up to »
To have a particular effect.
|
Adds up »
To enhance. " Law of attraction adds up to the success in life."
|
admiral of the blue »
A landlord or publican wearing a blue apron, as was formerly the custom among men of that vocation.
|
after all »
In the end; anyway; referring to something that was believed to be the case, but has now been shown not to be.
|
after all »
in spite of everything
|
after one's own heart »
Of a person: having the same ideas, opinions or behaviour as oneself.
|
after the fact »
Too late; after something is finished or final.
|
against all odds »
Despite seemingly insurmountable opposition or probability.
|
against the clock »
In a time-restricted manner, to meet a deadline, hurriedly, timed.
|
against the collar »
In a tight spot.
|
against the grain »
Contrary to what is expected; especially, of behavior different from what society expects.
|
against the grain »
To sand or plane a piece of wood parallel or nearly parallel to the fibers such that splinters forming ahead of the tool originate below the cutting surface.
|
against the grain »
Unwillingly, reluctantly. It went much against the grain with him, i.e. it was much against his inclination, or against his pluck.
|
age before beauty »
A phrase said to allow older people to go before younger ones.
|
agree to disagree »
To tolerate each other's opinion and stop arguing; to acknowledge that an agreement will not be reached.
|
ahead of one's time »
Showing characteristics of changes yet to be; present in one's work before later advances in the field; coming earlier than could be generally accepted.
|
ahead of the game »
Having completed a task before it is due; ready, prepared, or anticipating.
|
aim at »
To design for a particular audience.
|
air bed »
inflatable mattress
|
air out »
To expose to air; to leave open or spread out, as to allow odor or moisture to dissipate.
|
air out »
To discuss in the open.
|
air rage »
Disruptive behaviour on an aircraft.
|
albatross »
A double eagle, or three under par on any one hole.
|
albatross »
A long-term impediment, burden, or curse.
|
albatross »
Any of various large seabirds of the family Diomedeidae ranging widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific and having a hooked beak and long narrow wings.
|
ale post »
A maypole.
|
all along »
The entire time; always.
|
all and sundry »
All, everyone.
|
all and sundry »
Each one.
|
all at once »
All at the same time; all together.
|
all at once »
Unexpectedly; without warning; all of a sudden.
|
all bark and no bite »
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
|
all but »
nearly; except that
|
all cats are gray at night »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are gray in the dark »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are grey at night »
Variant of all cats are grey in the dark.
|
all cats are grey in the dark »
In the dark, physical appearance is unimportant.
|
all clear »
permission to proceed
|
all duck or no dinner »
All or nothing.
|
all ears »
Awaiting an explanation.
|
all ears »
Listening intently; fully focused.
|
all eyes »
Gazing at devotedly.
|
all eyes »
Having prominent eyes.
|
all eyes »
Watching alertly or attentively.
|
all eyes and ears »
To be attentive.
|
all fired up »
Excited or energized; highly enthusiastic.
|
all fur coat and no knickers »
Of superficial appearance and with no real substance beneath.
|
all good things come to an end »
Nothing lasts forever.
|
all hat and no cattle »
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
|
all hell breaks loose »
Vi A place or state of fury, turmoil, destruction, or chaos.
|
all hell broke loose »
A great disaster happened or chaos ensued.
|
all holiday »
A saying signifying that it is all over with the business or person spoken of or alluded to/.
|
all hollow »
As a foregone conclusion.
|
all hollow »
Common misspelling of all hallow.
|
all important »
vital
|
all in »
tired out
|
all in a day's work »
A nonchalant dismissal of a significant accomplishment.
|
all in all »
Generally; for the most part; mostly.
|
all in all »
everything considered
|
all it's cracked up to be »
As good as claims or reputation would suggest.
|
all kidding aside »
Used to attempt to make a serious point in a jocular conversation.
|
all mouth and no trousers »
Superficial, engaging in empty, boastful talk, but not of real substance.
|
all mouth and trousers »
Superficial, engaging in empty, boastful talk, but not of real substance.
|
all nations »
A composition of all the different spirits sold in a dram-shop, collected in a vessel into which the drainings of the bottles and quartern pots are emptied.
|
all of a sudden »
Adv suddenly, quickly.
|
all of the sudden »
Suddenly, rapidly.
|
all one's eggs in one basket »
Devoting all of one’s resources to one thing.
|
all one's eggs in one basket »
Investing heavily in just one area.
|
all out »
The state of a side having no more men to bat, thus ending its innings.
|
all over »
Done; finished; complete.
|
all over but the shouting »
The substance of the contest is complete, leaving only the cheering.
|
all over grumble »
Inferior.
|
all over grumble »
Unsatisfactory.
|
all over hell's half acre »
All over the place; everywhere.
|
all over the board »
Showing a wide range of values with no particular pattern.
|
all over the map »
Widely scattered or distributed; numerous and differing greatly.
|
all over the place »
Everywhere, especially chaotically or in such a way as to make a mess.
|
all over the place »
Inconsistent; lacking a clear pattern.
|
all over the shop »
Everywhere, scattered, disorganised.
|
all over with »
Completely finished; over.
|
all right, my lover »
An informal affectionate greeting.
|
all roads lead to Rome »
different paths can take one to the same goal
|
all set »
Ready; prepared.
|
all talk and no action »
Speaking, promising, or boasting much, but doing little
|
all talk and no cider »
All talk and no results.
|
all that »
Very.
|
all that glitters is not gold »
Things that appear valuable or worthwhile might not actually be so, things that look nice might not be as good as they look.
|
all that jazz »
Everything else related to something; other similar things.
|
all the marbles »
Everything; all that is to be had.
|
all the rage »
Very fashionable and popular, like a craze.
|
all the same »
Anyway; nevertheless; nonetheless.
|
all the tea in China »
Something priceless or invaluable.
|
all the time »
Always; constantly; for the complete duration.
|
all the time »
Very often; frequently.
|
all the way to Egery and back »
The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.
|
all things being equal »
Without considering or being affected by external factors.
|
all things come to those who wait »
(dated) A patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue.
|
all thumbs »
Clumsy; awkward; not dextrous.
|
all to smash »
Ruined; bankrupt.
|
all told »
With everything included, counted or summed.
|
all very well »
All right, to a certain extent.
|
all very well »
True, as far as it goes.
|
all walks of life »
All professions, lifestyles or social classes.
|
all well and good »
Basically good, but with some shortcoming or limitation.
|
all wet »
Thoroughly soaked; drenched.
|
all wet »
Utterly incorrect; erroneous; uninformed.
|
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy »
Too much focus on one's career is often viewed unfavorably.Too much hard work and not enough leisure time can be unhealthy.
|
all's fair in love and war »
unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.
|
all's well that ends well »
Problems do not matter if things turn out well in the end.
|
all-a-mort »
Sad; at death's door.
|
all-over oneself »
Feeling self-satisfied.
|
allow for »
To take into account when making plans.
|
almighty dollar »
The dollar, satirically characterized as a being a god.
|
almost doesn't count »
Near success (or correctness) is not deemed success (or correctness).
|
along about »
Approximately; at around some time.
|
along the lines »
In a general direction or manner.
|
also ran »
unplaced horse
|
am I right or am I right »
Rhetorical question from somebody who has stated what they consider to be an unassailable truth.
|
amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
|
amber nectar »
Lager beer.
|
an apple a day »
Healthy eating and living using traditional temperate-zone fresh foods.
|
an apple a day keeps the doctor away »
Apples are healthy and stave off illness.Eat healthy and you won't get sick.
|
an axe to grind »
A grievance, with implications of confrontation.
|
an Englishman's home is his castle »
(UK) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with terms so attractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
an offer one can't refuse »
An offer from one side in any transaction with the results of failing to accept so unattractive that the other side is almost guaranteed to accept.
|
and change »
And some quantity, but less than the increment to the next round number.
|
and counting »
Used to show that the number previously mentioned is continuously changing, i.e. increasing or decreasing.
|
and how »
Used to strongly confirm preceding utterance.
|
and shit »
Used after a noun or list of nouns in place of "etc".
|
and so forth »
Indicates that a list continues in a similar manner.
|
and so on »
Indicates that a list continues in a similar manner.
|
and then some »
Used to confirm preceding utterance, while implying that what was said or asked is an understatement.
|
angel's advocate »
Someone who sees what's good about an idea and supports it.
|
angle for »
To try to obtain something by subtle indirect means. Political manoeuvres, suggestion, etc.
|
angle for farthings »
To beg out of a prison window with a cap, or box, let down at the end of a long string.
|
ankle socks »
hosiery
|
another nail in one's coffin »
One in a series of factors which lead, or purport to lead, to downfall.
|
answer back »
To reply impertinently; to talk back.
|
answer back »
To reply to a question at a later time.
|
answer back »
To issue echo characters, protocol responses, reflexive connection requests, etc.
|
answer for »
To be held responsible for.
|
answer for »
To guarantee.
|
answer on a postcard »
To give a brief answer or opinion.
|
any press is good press »
Being mentioned in the media is beneficial to the subject because it gets publicity.
|
any way one slices it »
From any perspective; in every case.
|
anything goes »
There are no rules or restrictions.
|
Apa Sâmbetei »
"for nothing", "to no result", or that what you have done was destroyed or is rendered useless after you finish it.
|
Apa Sâmbetei »
Saturday's waters.
|
apple does not fall far from the stem »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
apple does not fall far from the tree »
A child grows up to be very similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics.1842, E. A. Freidlaender (translator), Frederika Bremer (author), The Neighbours, ch. 10:It is impossible to look at Madam Rhen, without at once making the conclusion that she is pleasantness, hospitality, and loquacity itself; nor can one look upon her daughter Renetta without thinking, "the apple does not fall far from the tree!"1978, Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, "Doctor Asks Patient
|
apple does not fall far from the trunk »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
apple dumplin shop »
A woman's bosom.
|
apple never falls far from the tree »
Alternative form of apple does not fall far from the tree.
|
apple of somebody's eye »
A favourite, a particular preference, or a loved one; the object of somebody's affections.
|
apples and oranges »
Said of a comparison of items that are not comparable.
|
apply oneself »
To put forth a concerted effort; to try; to focus.
|
Après-ski »
A place "after skiing". Typically a bar or pub where people go after a day on the slopes to ease off and meet other people.
|
April showers bring May flowers »
April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.By extension, that a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness.
|
apron string hold »
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
|
are your ears burning »
Said of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.
|
argue out »
To discuss to reach an agreed conclusion, or decision.
|
ark ruffian »
Rogues who, in conjunction with watermen, robbed, and sometimes murdered, on the water, by picking a quarrel with the passengers in a boat, boarding it, plundering, stripping, and throwing them overboard, etc. A species of badger.
|
arm and a leg »
A relatively high price for an item or service; an exorbitant price.
|
arm candy »
An attractive, seemingly romantic companion who accompanies a person in public simply so that one or both of the individuals can gain attention, enhance social status, or create an impression of sexual appeal.
|
arm to the teeth »
To equip thoroughly with weapons.
|
arm's length »
Barely within reach.
|
arm's length »
Distant, detached.
|
arm's length »
Independent, but related.
|
armed forces »
The Services
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
All over the place.
|
around Robin Hood's barn »
The long way around; a roundabout or circuitous route.
|
around the bend »
Crazy, insane.
|
around the clock »
All the time or seemingly all the time; constantly.
|
around the corner »
Imminent.
|
arrive at »
To reach.
|
arse about face »
Something that is placed or arranged the opposite way to the way it should be.
|
arse end of nowhere »
A very remote place.
|
arse over tit »
Tumbling; falling; upside-down; unstable or unbalanced.
|
arsy varsey »
Tumbling upside down; head over heels.
|
as a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly »
Foolish people repeatedly do foolish things.
|
as a rule »
In general; most often.
|
as a rule »
normally
|
as all get-out »
Extremely; to a superlative degree; very much.
|
as best one can »
In the best possible way, given the circumstances.
|
as far as »
In the scope of.
|
as far as »
With respect to; as relates to.
|
as far as one knows »
To the best of one's knowledge.
|
as for »
with reference to
|
as good as one's word »
Faithful to a promise one has made.
|
as if »
As though; in a manner suggesting.
|
as if »
In mimicry of.
|
as is »
In its present state or condition, especially as a contractual condition of sale.
|
as long as »
Depending upon some condition or requirement; provided that; if, assuming; so long as.
|
as long as »
The same length as.
|
as long as »
While; for some period of time.
|
as luck would have it »
As it happened; how it turned out; by good fortune; fortunately or luckily.
|
as of »
From, on or at a specified time.
|
as the crow flies »
In a straight line distance between two locations, as opposed to the road distance or over land distance.
|
as well »
In addition; also.
|
as well »
To the same effect.
|
as yet »
Up to the present; thus far.
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as you sow, so shall you reap »
The personal consequences of one's actions are in proportion to the good or bad intentions towards others.
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ash wednesday »
first day of lent
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ask around »
To enquire about something to different people.
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ask for »
To increase the likelihood of something by persisting in some action; to invite.
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ask for »
request
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ask for »
make a request
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ask for it »
To provoke an unwanted action.
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ask for the moon »
To claim or desire something that one cannot have.
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ask in »
To invite someone to enter one's house.
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ask my arse »
A common reply to any question; still deemed wit at sea, and formerly at court, under the denomination of selling bargains.
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ask out »
To invite somebody, especially on a date.
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ask round »
To enquire about something to different people.
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ask round »
To invite someone to your house.
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asleep at the switch »
Neglectful of an important task, responsibility, or opportunity.
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asphalt jungle »
A city or urban area, where the landscape is covered by pavement and the environment is alienating and unsafe.
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ass into gear »
Get going; get moving; start producing.
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ass over teakettle »
Frantically.
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ass over teakettle »
Tumbling upside down.
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assault and battery »
. This legal distinction exists only in jurisdictions that distinguish assault as threatened violence rather than actual violence.
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assume the mantle »
To take on a specific role or position, along with any associated responsibilites.
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at a glance »
Upon cursory examination; an abbreviated review.
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at a loss »
Below the cost or price of purchase.
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at a loss for words »
Having nothing to say; stunned to the point of speechlessness.
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at a moment's notice »
Immediately; instantaneously; without need of warning.
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at a pinch »
By the skin of one’s teeth; only just; Deo volente; perhaps; if you’re lucky..
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at a pinch »
in an emergency
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at a stand »
In a state of confusion or uncertainty; undecided what to do next.
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at all »
Indicating degree, quantity or frequency greater than zero; to the slightest degree, in any way, somewhat, rather.
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at all hours »
Late into the night or early morning; when people ought to be sleeping.
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at arm's length »
At a distance, away from one's body.
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at arm's length »
Avoiding a close relationship.
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at bay »
Cornered; unable to flee.
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at bay »
Unable to come closer; at a distance.
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at best »
In the most favorable of conditions; at the most.
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at cross purposes »
Against one another; contrary in direction or goals.
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at cross-purposes »
Mutually misunderstanding each other's plans, intentions or meanings.
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at death's door »
About to die; in a life-threatening state of health.
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At ease with nudity »
ISM free identification with nude recreation
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at first »
Initially; at the start.
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at full tilt »
At full speed; very quickly.
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at hand »
Being at the moment the center of attention or the cause of trouble.
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at hand »
Near; soon; approaching; imminent.
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at hand »
Readily available; within easy reach; nearby.
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at heart »
In spirit; according to one's beliefs, views or feelings; deep down, really, fundamentally.
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at home »
At ease, comfortable.
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at home »
In one's place of residence.
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at home »
In the home of one's parents.
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at large »
In full, fully.
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at large »
In general; as a whole.
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at large »
On the loose; roaming freely; not confined.
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at last »
After a long time; eventually.
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at last »
In the end; finally; ultimately.
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at latter Lammas »
Never.
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at loggerheads »
Unable to agree; opposing.
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at loose ends »
In an uncertain position or situation.
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at odds »
In disagreement; conflicting.
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at odds »
on bad terms
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at once »
At the same time; simultaneously; together.
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at once »
Immediately; now; right away.
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at one with »
United with; in tune with.
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at one's beck and call »
In servitude to; at one’s command.
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at one's fingertips »
Readily available.
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at peace »
Dead.
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at peace »
Free of worries; peaceful.
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at peace with »
Not disturbed or upset by.
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at peace with »
Not menacing or hostile toward.
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at rest »
Not moving; stationary.
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at risk »
vulnerable
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at sea »
Confused, lost, or adrift; bewildered.
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at sea »
On the ocean or sea, typically of a ship or person aboard a ship.
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at sixes and sevens »
In a state of confusion.
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at sixes and sevens »
In a state of dispute or disagreement.
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at stake »
In danger; hazarded; pledged; at risk.
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at that »
In addition to what has been said; furthermore; moreover.
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at that »
Now that it has been mentioned.
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at the best of times »
At most.
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at the drop of a hat »
Without any hesitation; instantly.
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at the end of one's tether »
At the limit of one’s patience; frustrated or annoyed..
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at the end of the day »
In summary; ultimately.
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at the end of the road »
No longer in the competition. Voted off. Eliminated.
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at the end of the road »
No longer living. Dead.
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at the high port »
At once; unhesitatingly; quickly and vigorously.
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at the high port »
Or in a charge.
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at the mercy of »
In the power of; defenceless/defenseless against.
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at the moment »
As atm.
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at the momont »
now
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at the ready »
Ready; in a state of preparation or waiting; in position or anticipation.
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at the top of one's lungs »
Possible.
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at the wheel »
Driving; in control of a vehicle.
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at the wheel »
In control of the situation; in charge.
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at this point in time »
Right now.
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at will »
At one's preference; as one sees fit.
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at work »
At one's workplace.
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at work »
Working, in the process of doing work.
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atom bomb »
nuclear weapon
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au fait »
fully informed;
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auction off »
To sell something at an auction.
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autem bawler »
A parson.
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autem cackler »
Dissenters of every denomination.
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autem dipper »
Anabaptist.
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autem diver »
Pickpockets who practice in churches; also churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
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autem gogler »
Pretended French prophet.
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autem mort »
A married woman; also a female beggar with several children hired or borrowed to excite charity.
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autem quaver »
Quaker.
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avant la lettre »
An example of a term before the term was coined. Describing a term used anachronistically.
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avoir du pois lay »
Stealing brass weights off the counters of shops.
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away with the fairies »
Not with it, dreaming, not all there.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
