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.
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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.
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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.
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all ears »
Awaiting an explanation.
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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.
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all right, my lover »
An informal affectionate greeting.
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all the rage »
Very fashionable and popular, like a craze.
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all the tea in China »
Something priceless or invaluable.
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all things being equal »
Without considering or being affected by external factors.
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am I right or am I right »
Rhetorical question from somebody who has stated what they consider to be an unassailable truth.
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amateur hour »
A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.
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an apple a day »
Healthy eating and living using traditional temperate-zone fresh foods.
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an Englishman's home is his castle »
(UK) a proverbial expression of personal privacy and security
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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.
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another nail in one's coffin »
One in a series of factors which lead, or purport to lead, to downfall.
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