idiomA.htm
Collected from various sources by U Kyaw Tun (UKT), M.S. (I.P.S.T., U.S.A.), and staff of TIL (Tun Institute of Learning, http://www.tuninst.net ) for staff and students of TIL Computing and Language Center, Yangon, Myanmar. Not for sale.
index.htm | |Top
Eidiom-txt-indx.htm
• above all • above board • above the law • absence makes the heart grow fonder • according to Hoyle • ace • ace in the hole • Achilles heel • acid test • across the board • act out • all right (3) • and then some • antsy • as a rule • as easy as pie • at the eleventh hour • act up • actions speak louder than words • ad lib • add fuel to the fire • add insult to injury • afraid so • after all • against all odds • against the grain • age before beauty • age of majority • ahead of the curve • ahead of the game • ain't • ain't half-bad • air rage • air was blue • airhead • airy-fairy • a.k.a. (aka) • all around Robin Hood's barn • all decked out • all ears • all eyes • all fired up • all get-out • all goes well • all hat and no cattle • all hell broke loose • all his marbles • all in • all in a day's work • all in all • all it's cracked up to be • all joking aside • all-out • all over but the shouting • all over hell's half acre • all set • all she wrote • all shook up • all show • all spruced up • all talk and no action • all teed up • all that jazz • all the bells and whistles • all the livelong day • all the marbles • all the tea in China • all the way to Egery and back • all the world's a stage • all things being equal • all things to all people • all thumbs • all walks of life • all washed up • all wet • all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy • all your eggs in one basket • all's fair in love and war • all's well that ends well • along for the ride • along those lines • American as apple pie
• an ace up your sleeve • an airhead • an apple a day keeps the doctor away • an attitude • an axe to grind • an earful • an easy mark • an even keel • an eye for an eye (a tooth for a tooth) • an offer I couldn't refuse • an old hand at • an old warhorse • an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure • anal retentive • anchor you • and how • and stuff • and that's that • and then some • angels fear to tread • another nail in your coffin • ante up • any old thing • any way you slice it • any word • anything goes • apple a day • apple of this eye • apple-pie order • armed to the teeth • around Robin Hood's barn • around the bend • around the clock • as a matter to fact • as all get-out • as American as apple pie • as busy as a beaver • as clean as a whistle • as drunk as a skunk • as dumb as a sack of hammers • as far as I know • as full as a tick • as if • as luck would have it • as new • as plain as day • as plain as the nose on your face • as poor as a church mouse • as right as rain • as scarce as hen's teeth • as sick as a dog • as sick as a parrot • as slow as a dead snail • as slow as molasses in January • as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar • as sure as shit • as the crow flies • as useless as a fifth wheel • as useless as tits on a boar • ask for it • ask for the moon • asking price • asleep at the switch • ass • ass into gear • ass on the line • ass over teakettle • at a glance • at a good clip • at a loss for words • at a moment's notice • at all • at bay • at death's door • at ease • at face value • at fault • at first glance • at first light • at heart • at it again • at least • at liberty • at loggerheads • at loose ends • at my wit's end • at odds • at one fell swoop • at once • at one time • at peace • at rest • at sixes and sevens • at stake • at the crack of dawn • at the drop of a hat • at the end of my rope/ at the end of my tether • at the hands of • at the ripe old age • at the top of her game • at the top of his voice • at the wheel • at this point in time • at will • at your beck and call • at your fingertips • attaboy • attagirl • away out • away out of line • away to the races • awesome • axe to grind •
From Comenius
most importantly
woman: The man I want to marry must be sensitive, intelligent, loyal ...
man: And above all rich!
woman: That's not true at all.
From Magnuson
legal, not hidden, not <under the table>, not <underhanded>
Every action, every payment is above board.
Customers respect that kind of honesty.
From Magnuson
not required to obey laws, privileged
Just because he's rich, he thinks he's above the law.
From Magnuson
when friends are apart they like each other more
When she's away I'm very lonely. Absence
does make the heart grow fonder.
From Magnuson
according to the rules, if we follow the rules
According to
Hoyle,
it's your turn to deal the cards.
From Magnuson
explain how or why, provide reasons, call into account
How do you account for the missing money? Where did it go?
From ESL Cafe
make an "A" on a test, homework assignment, project, etc.
Friend: "Somebody said you
aced the test, Dave. That's great!"
From Magnuson
a hidden strength or talent
Sam's ace in the hole is honesty,
which his clients soon discover.
From Magnuson
a weakness, a vulnerable place
Jewelry is my Achilles heel.
I buy too much jewelry.
From Magnuson
See
the acid test
From Magnuson
affecting all people, applies to everything
We want a salary increase across the board - for all positions.
From Magnuson
explain by movement and gestures
Watch - I'll act out the meaning of pacifist.
From ESL Cafe
1. expression of reluctant agreement.
A: "Come to the party with me. Please!"
B: "Oh, all right. I don't want to, but I will."
From ESL Cafe
2. fair; not particularly good.
A: "How's your chemistry class?"
B: "It's all right,
I guess, but it's not the best class I've ever had."
From ESL Cafe
3. unharmed; in satisfactory condition.
A: "You don't look normal. Are you all right?"
B: "Yes, but I have a headache."
From ESL Cafe
and much more besides.
A: "I'd guess your new computer cost about $2,000. "
B: "It cost that much and then some because I also
bought extra RAM and VRAM."
From ESL Cafe
restless; impatient and tired of waiting.
A: "I hope Katy calls soon.
Just sitting around and waiting is making me antsy."
From Comenius
Meaning: generally, normally
man: How about some wine with the meal?
woman: I'm sorry, as a rule I don't drink alcohol during the week.
man: Too bad. It would really
complement the fish you're having.
From ESL Cafe
very easy.
A: "I thought you said this was a difficult problem.
It isn't. In fact, it's as easy as pie."
From ESL Cafe
at the last minute; almost too late.
A: "Yes, I got the work done in time. I finished it
at the eleventh hour, but I wasn't late.
From Magnuson
act up -- against the grain Internet link
act up
act up --
misbehave, do bad things
She said that Kim was acting up at church - making noise.
act up --
not work right, give pain or problems
My stomach is acting up today. I don't feel well.
From Magnuson
actions speak louder than words --people judge by actions more than words,
practice what you preach
Parents should remember that actions speak louder than words.
Kids imitate their parents.
From Magnuson
ad lib (ad libitum) -- improvise, create,
at will,
off the cuff
After I learn the melody I like to ad lib. I play what I hear in my head.
From Magnuson
add fuel to the fire --
cause more anger, aggravate a problem
He's angry. Telling him bad news will add fuel to the fire.
From Magnuson
add insult to injury --
add another negative,
make it worse,
put your foot in it
If you say his answer is wrong, and then say he can't understand, you've added
insult to injury.
From Magnuson
afraid so -- sorry, but it is true; believe me,
yeppers
"Did he spend all of our money?" "Yes, 'fraid so."
From Magnuson
after all --
after you consider all the facts, to be fair
Will you help me with English? After all, I helped you with math.
From Magnuson
against all odds --
not likely to happen,
a slim chance
Against all odds - poor weather, student pilot - we landed safely.
From Magnuson
against the grain --
against the natural way,
rub the wrong way
Some words go against the grain. Their spellings aren't natural.
age before beauty -- airy-fairy Internet link age before beauty
age before beauty --
the older person should be allowed to enter first
"Age before beauty," she said as she opened the door for me.
From Magnuson
age of majority -- the age when you can vote,
come of age
Dad said that when I reach the age of majority I can buy my own car!
From Magnuson
ahead of the curve -- having a higher grade, having better performance (the
bell curve - a line graph of test scores )
In sales, we're a little ahead of the curve. But in service, we suck
!
From Magnuson
ahead of the game --
finished your work, paid all the bills,
caught up
With all these expenses, we can't seem to get ahead of the game.
From Magnuson
ain't --
isn't, is not; aren't, are not
"It ain't easy being green," said the frog.
From Magnuson
ain't half-bad --
is quite good, is not bad, is okay
Hey, this pizza ain't half-bad. I kinda like it.
From Magnuson
air rage --
angry or violent passengers on an airplane
The man struck one of the attendants. It was air rage.
From Magnuson
air was blue --
(See
the air was blue)
From Magnuson
airhead --
(See
an airhead)
From Magnuson
airy-fairy --
not real, impractical,
pie in the sky
Sell flying saucers to little gray people? That's too airy-fairy for me!
From Magnuson
a.k.a. (aka)
-- all hell broke loose
Internet link
a.k.a. (aka)
a.k.a. (aka) --
also known as, alias,
go by the name of
William O'Connor - a.k.a. Wil, Willie, Billy Boy - was born in Ireland.
From Magnuson
all around Robin Hood's barn --
an indirect route, a roundabout way,
a wild goose chase
When Celia is the driver, we go all around Robin Hood's barn!
From Magnuson
all decked out --
(See
deck out)
From Magnuson
all ears --
listening carefully, trying to hear everything
When Dad mentioned hunting, I was all ears. I loved to hunt.
From Magnuson
all eyes --
watching carefully, staring
When the fire truck arrived, the children were all eyes.
From Magnuson
all fired up --
eager, enthused,
gung ho
Ian gets all fired up when he sees Kari. There's love in his eyes.
From Magnuson
all get-out --
(See
as all get-out)
From Magnuson
all goes well --
have good luck, have no problems
I hope all goes well for you at college. I hope you succeed.
From Magnuson
all hat and no cattle --
pretending to be important and rich,
all show
If a man buys things he can't pay for, he's all hat and no cattle.
From Magnuson
all hell broke loose --
people did crazy things, everybody was fighting
When the fire alarm sounded, all hell broke loose.
From Magnuson
all his marbles
-- all set Internet Link
all his marbles
all his marbles --
normal, sensible
Dan talks to the door. I wonder if he's got all his marbles.
From Magnuson
all in --
very tired, exhausted,
dog tired,
done in
After the marathon, she was all in - completely exhausted.
From Magnuson
all in a day's work --
not extra work, just part of my duties
She said, "Thanks for the help." "All in a day's work," he replied.
From Magnuson
all in all --
generally, considering everything
All in all, it was a good holiday. We enjoyed our trip to Europe.
From Magnuson
all it's cracked up to be --
as good as the ads say,
live up to the reports
The new computer isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's not so hot.
From Magnuson
all joking aside --
(See
joking aside)
From Magnuson
all-out --
all your effort,
go all-out
We looked day and night for the lost girl. It was an all-out effort.
From Magnuson
all over but the shouting --
(See
it's all over but the shouting)
From Magnuson
all over hell's half acre --
all over the place, everywhere
I left the gate open, and the cows are all over hell's half acre.
From Magnuson
all set --
ready, prepared to start
"All set?" he asked, as she closed her suitcase.
From Magnuson
all she wrote
-- all the marbles
Internet Link
all she wrote
all she wrote -- (See that's all she wrote)
From Magnuson
all shook up --
excited, nervous
Al gets all shook up when he sees Gina. He likes her a lot.
From Magnuson
all show --
artificial, having little or no substance,
put on airs
When he gets angry and yells at us, it's all show, just to scare us.
From Magnuson
all spruced up --
clean and dressed in your best clothes,
dressed up
The young farmers got all spruced up for the dance.
From Magnuson
all talk and no action --
a person who talks a lot but does very little,
hot air
He talks about doing everything, but doesn't accomplish anything. He's all talk
and no action!
From Magnuson
all teed up --
the golf ball is on the tee, everything is ready
The parade is ready to begin. It's all teed up.
From Magnuson
all that jazz --
all related things, other similar topics
They were talking about UFO's and all that jazz.
From Magnuson
all the bells and whistles --
a lot of extra features, lots of
goodies,
loaded
When Horst sold his business he bought a motorhome with all the bells and
whistles.
From Magnuson
all the livelong day --
all day, lasting the whole day
Our canary sings all the livelong day - from dawn to dusk.
From Magnuson
all the marbles --
all the money, the top prize
How does it feel to be playing in the final - for all the marbles?
From Magnuson
all the tea in China -- all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Internet Link
all the tea in China
all the tea in China -- (See not for all the tea in China)
From Magnuson
all the way to Egery and back --
a long, indirect road; the long way;
all around Robin Hood's barn,
all over hell's half acre
To get to the Halsteads, we have to go all the way to Egery and back!
From Magnuson
all the world's a stage --
the world is a stage; we are all performers
The teacher asked Jason to explain the meaning of Shakespeare's words:
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."
From Magnuson
all things being equal --
if things remain the same, if no surprises occur
All things being equal, we should sell all our bicycles by October.
From Magnuson
all things to all people --
satisfy everyone,
live up to
Be yourself. Stop trying to be all things to all people.
From Magnuson
all thumbs --
clumsy, unable to hold it, fingers feel like thumbs
When I try to sew a button on my shirt, I'm all thumbs.
From Magnuson
all walks of life --
all occupations and lifestyles
As a salesperson, you will meet people from all walks of life.
From Magnuson
all washed up --
failed in business or career
Barry's all washed up. His business is bankrupt.
From Magnuson
all wet --
mistaken, do not know what you are talking about
You're all wet! You can't grow bananas in Saskatchewan.
From Magnuson
all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy --
do not work too long, take time for
recreation,
take time to smell...
When I picked up my overtime check, Karen reminded me that All work and no
play... .
From Magnuson
all your eggs in one basket --
an attitude
Internet Link
all your eggs in one basket
all your eggs in one basket --
depending on one plan or one investment,
hedge your bets
If you invest all your money in one hotel, you'll have all your eggs in one
basket.
From Magnuson
all's fair in love and war --
there are no rules to guide you in love or war,
that's life
When your girlfriend leaves you for your best friend, remember, All's fair in
love and war.
From Magnuson
all's well that ends well --
a happy ending is the most important thing,
the end justifies...
Although we argued and fought, we are happy with the result. All's well that
ends well!
From Magnuson
along for the ride --
just a passenger, not a helper,
joyride
You've met the workers. This is my nephew - he's just along for the ride.
From Magnuson
along those lines --
similar, on the same topic,
in that vein
He wants a job in health care or nursing, along those lines.
From Magnuson
American as apple pie --
(See
as American as apple pie)
From Magnuson
an ace up your sleeve --
an important card to play, an important fact to
reveal
To survive, one needs an ace up one's sleeve - a special talent.
From Magnuson
an airhead --
a person who talks without thinking, a fool
Sally is such an airhead. She said that chicklets are baby chickens.
From Magnuson
an apple a day keeps the doctor away --
eat one apple each day for good health
Mom gave me an apple, saying, "An apple a day... ."
From Magnuson
an attitude --
a negative attitude, a poor outlook
If you don't do your work, they will think you have an attitude.
From Magnuson
an axe to grind --
anal retentive Internet link
an axe to grind
an axe to grind --
a point to discuss or argue about
Jason had an axe to grind at the meeting - job security.
From Magnuson
an earful --
a lecture, a scolding,
a bawling out
If Mom catches you smoking, you'll get an earful.
From Magnuson
an easy mark --
one who can easily be persuaded,
a soft touch
Ask Charlie for a loan. He's an easy mark.
From Magnuson
an even keel --
good balance, stability
We need a steady manager, one who can keep an even keel.
From Magnuson
an eye for an eye (a tooth for a tooth) --
equal punishment or revenge
Canadian laws do not demand an eye for an eye.
From Magnuson
an offer I couldn't refuse --
an offer that contains a threat or force, a request
that is a command
The border guards invited me to stay for further questioning - it was an offer I
couldn't refuse.
From Magnuson
an old hand at --
a person with a lot of practice or experience
Tom's an old hand at cribbage. He's played since he was a boy.
From Magnuson
an old warhorse --
a veteran, an old soldier, a classic story or tune
The band played marches and overtures - the old warhorses.
From Magnuson
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure --
prevent a problem so you don't
have to solve it,
a stitch in time...
Forest fires deserve an ounce of prevention: public education in campfire
safety.
From Magnuson
anal retentive --
too concerned with detail, pedantic
Amy is anal retentive. She writes down everything the teacher says.
From Magnuson
anchor
you --
any way you slice it Internet Link
anchor you
anchor you --
make you feel stable or confident
When you have a crisis, your faith will anchor you.
From Magnuson
and how --
very much
The kids love pizza - and how!
From Magnuson
and stuff --
and other things or activities, et cetera
We were watchin' TV an' stuff, just hangin' out.
From Magnuson
and that's that --
that is final, that is the way it will be done
You will be home by 10 p.m., and that's that!
From Magnuson
and then some --
with lots to spare, plus a few more
We invited everybody in town - and then some!
From Magnuson
angels fear to tread --
(See
where angels fear to tread)
From Magnuson
another nail in your coffin --
another cigarette; harmful substance
Every cigarette he smoked was another nail in his coffin.
From Magnuson
ante up --
put some money in the center of the table
As the dealer shuffled the cards, he said, "Ante up, boys."
From Magnuson
any old thing --
any word, any answer
When the teacher asks him a question, he says any old thing.
From Magnuson
any way you slice it --
(See
no matter how you slice it)
From Magnuson
any word --
as a matter of fact Internet Link
any word
any word --
any phone calls or letters, any reply
Any word from Dale? He should have called us by now.
From Magnuson
anything goes --
there are no rules; expect anything to happen
Anything goes during Stampede week. People do crazy things!
From Magnuson
apple a day... --
(See
an apple a day keeps the doctor away)
From Magnuson
apple of his eye --
(See
the apple of his eye)
From Magnuson
apple-pie order --
very neat, well organized,
shipshape,
tickety-boo
"Is your room in apple-pie order?" "Yes, Mom. It is."
From Magnuson
armed to the teeth --
prepared to fight or defend, having lots of
evidence
By the time the trial began, the lawyer was armed to the teeth.
From Magnuson
around Robin Hood's barn --
(See
all around Robin Hood's barn)
From Magnuson
around the bend --
crazy or insane,
off your rocker
If I had to listen to that noise all the time, I'd go around the bend.
From Magnuson
around the clock --
twenty-four hours,
'round the clock
Julie worked around the clock to finish her sewing project.
From Magnuson
as a matter of fact --
to state a fact,
in fact,
to be perfectly honest
The burrowing owl is a protected species. As a matter of fact, it's an
endangered species.
From Magnuson
as all get-out --
as luck would have it
Internet Link
as all get-out
as all get-out --
very much, a lot,
like crazy,
to the max
Tracy is not only beautiful. She's as talented as all get-out.
From Magnuson
as American as apple pie --
very American, like an American custom
Jeans and T-shirts are American, as American as apple pie!
From Magnuson
as busy as a beaver
-- very busy, working steadily
When the teacher returned, the students were as busy as beavers.
From Magnuson
as clean as a whistle --
without any dirt or marks, smooth and clean
The hen squeezed, and out popped an egg as clean as a whistle.
From Magnuson
as drunk as a skunk --
very drunk,
polluted,
sloshed
You don't remember the party because you were as drunk as a skunk!
From Magnuson
as dumb as a sack of hammers --
very dumb, ignorant,
dumbbell
If your dog doesn't learn your tricks, who is as dumb as a sack of hammers?
From Magnuson
as far as I know --
based on my knowledge,
to the best of my...
As far as I know, the company will pay your travel expenses.
From Magnuson
as full as a tick --
(See
full as a tick)
From Magnuson
as if --
unlikely, unbelievable
As if we'd leave for Banff without you. We'd never do that!
From Magnuson
as luck would have it --
as luck is sometimes good and sometimes bad
By the time we arrived, as luck would have it, the fight was over.
From Magnuson
as new --
as slow as molasses in January
Internet Link
as new
as new --
like new,
in mint condition
For Sale: 1999 Mazda Miata, red, all options, low km, as new.
From Magnuson
as plain as day --
easy to see, clearly visible,
in broad daylight
I saw it, as plain as day - Bigfoot - not twenty feet away!
From Magnuson
as plain as the nose on your face --
very easy to see or understand, very clear,
crystal clear
We have photos of the earth from outer space that prove the earth is round. It's
as plain as the nose on your face!
From Magnuson
as poor as a church mouse --
very poor, having little,
the wolf is at the door
How can they refuse to help her? She's as poor as a church mouse.
From Magnuson
as right as rain --
(See
right as rain)
From Magnuson
as scarce as hen's teeth --
rare, uncommon, not many of them
Country doctors are as scarce as hen's teeth.
From Magnuson
as sick as a dog --
very sick, very ill,
as sick as a parrot,
in sick bay
Barry can't come to practice. He's sick as a dog!
From Magnuson
as sick as a parrot --
very, very sick;
on your deathbed,
sicker than a dog
Samuel's voice sounds weird because he's as sick as a parrot.
From Magnuson
as slow as a dead snail --
unbeatable in slowness
He writes as slow as a dead snail, only a word or two per day!
From Magnuson
as slow as molasses in January --
only a dead snail is slower
The tortoise is very slow - as slow as molasses in January.
From Magnuson
as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar --
ass
Internet link
as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar
as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar --
very solid or stable, not movable or wobbly
"What is the foundation made of?" "Concrete - it's as solid as the Rock of
Gibraltar!"
From Magnuson
as sure as shit --
certain to happen, predictable,
a foregone conclusion
Robert will come, sure as shit. He comes every day.
From Magnuson
as the crow flies --
the shortest distance between two places
The farm is about ten miles northeast of town, as the crow flies.
From Magnuson
as useless as a fifth wheel --
not useful, not needed, redundant, (four wheels are
sufficient)
I sat there watching the four of them play bridge, and feeling as useless as a
fifth wheel.
From Magnuson
as useless as tits on a boar --
not useful, not necessary, having no function
Our toenails are useless - as useless as tits on a boar.
From Magnuson
ask for it --
invite or deserve an attack
When you called him a thief, you asked for it. You made him mad.
From Magnuson
ask for the moon --
ask for a lot, ask for more than you need or want
When we negotiate our salary let's try this strategy: Ask for the moon and
hope for a 10% raise.
From Magnuson
asking price --
a starting price, a price to begin negotiations
The asking price for the lot was $29,500. It sold for $28,000.
From Magnuson
asleep at the switch --
not alert, not watching, not
paying attention
If you're asleep at the switch, you won't learn much in class.
From Magnuson
ass --
fool,
dipstick,
jerk
Don't be an ass, Duddy. Stay in school and get your diploma.
From Magnuson
ass --
at bay Internet
Link
ass [B]
From Magnuson
ass -- buttocks,
backside,
butt
Those jeans fit you, but they're a little tight around the ass.
UKT: From AHTD arse n. Chiefly British 1.
Variant of ass.
From Magnuson
ass into gear --
moving, working, doing
After holidays, I'll get my ass into gear and paint the house.
From Magnuson
ass on the line --
be accountable for an error or failure,
take the rap
I sent the package Overnight Air Mail, because my ass is on the line if it
arrives late.
From Magnuson
ass over teakettle --
falling over backwards,
head over heels
The cowboy knocked him off his feet - ass over teakettle!
From Magnuson
at a glance --
with one look, a quick look
I could see at a glance that the car was unsafe. A wheel was loose.
From Magnuson
at a good clip --
fast, at a high speed
When you passed us you were going at a pretty good clip.
From Magnuson
at a loss for words --
unable to think of a reply or something to say
When he asked why I wanted the vase, I was at a loss for words.
From Magnuson
at a moment's notice --
with little warning,
on short notice
We may call you at a moment's notice - whenever we need help.
From Magnuson
at all --
in any way,
in the least
"Are you sleepy?" "No. Not at all."
From Magnuson
at bay --
at a distance, away from you
The smoke keeps the mosquitoes at bay. They don't like smoke.
From Magnuson
at death's door --
at liberty
Internet Link
at death's door
at death's door --
dying, near death,
brush with death
Poor Sarah! She has lung cancer and I fear she's at death's door.
From Magnuson
at ease --
stand at ease, do not stand at attention, relax
The lieutenant said, "At ease, soldier. We're not on duty."
From Magnuson
at face value --
the value shown by the surface, what you see ...
At face value, this car appears to be in good condition.
From Magnuson
at fault --
caused the problem,
to blame
The judge will decide who's at fault - who caused the crash.
From Magnuson
at first glance --
when you first see it, when you notice it
At first glance, it looked like a cat - a large cat.
From Magnuson
at first light --
just before the sun rises,
at the crack of dawn
At first light, the ducks would fly to the grainfields to feed.
From Magnuson
at heart --
with feeling for you, with you
in mind
Believe me, she has your needs at heart. She cares about you.
From Magnuson
at it again --
doing it again,
back at it
That dog is at it again - barking in the middle of the night.
From Magnuson
at least --
not very much, very little to ask
At least he could have phoned. He could have done that.
From Magnuson
at liberty --
free to speak or act, allowed to speak
Are you at liberty to tell us who won? Can you tell us?
From Magnuson
at loggerheads
-- at rest Internet
Link
at loggerheads
at loggerheads --
not agreeing, opposed to each other
They're at loggerheads over who owns the farm. They don't agree.
From Magnuson
at loose ends --
disorganized, unable to concentrate
I was at loose ends when the kids were fighting. I couldn't think.
From Magnuson
at my wits' end --
very tired and nervous,
at the end of my rope
After a wedding and a funeral she was at her wits' end.
From Magnuson
at odds --
not in agreement, opposed,
at loggerheads
Your testimony in court is at odds with the statement you gave to the police.
Why are they different?
From Magnuson
at one fell swoop --
(See
in one fell swoop)
From Magnuson
at once --
at the same time, simultaneously
You can't do two things at once. You can eat or talk, but not both.
at once --
now, immediately
Your mother said you should come in at once - immediately.
From Magnuson
at one time --
in the past, during a time past,
once upon a time
At one time, the sun didn't seem so hot. We didn't need sunscreen when we worked
or played in the sun.
From Magnuson
at peace --
feeling peaceful, without worry
After talking about his problem he was at peace with himself.
From Magnuson
at rest --
stopped, not moving
Tie these ropes while the boat is at rest - before it moves.
From Magnuson
at sixes and sevens
-- at the wheel
Internet Link
at sixes and sevens
at sixes and sevens --
not in agreement, arguing,
at loggerheads
Parents and teachers are at sixes and sevens over sex education.
From Magnuson
at stake --
what you could lose or gain
If you're involved in a crime, your career may be at stake.
From Magnuson
at the crack of dawn --
at the first sign of light,
at first light
At the crack of dawn he would rise, wash and go for a walk.
From Magnuson
at the drop of a hat --
without hesitation, quickly
He'll argue at the drop of a hat. He likes to argue.
From Magnuson
at the end of my rope/ at the end of my
tether --
losing control of myself,
losing patience (see
lose patience)
Babysitting five kids, I was at the end of my rope.
From Magnuson
at the hands of --
while competing against, when fighting
It was at the hands of his former student that he was defeated.
From Magnuson
at the ripe old age --
at a very old age; being unusually old
He could still play checkers at the ripe old age of ninety-eight.
From Magnuson
at the top of her game --
at her best, playing as well as she can
If Val's at the top of her game she can defeat Olga.
From Magnuson
at the top of his voice --
as loud as he can, shouting loudly
Ben called for help at the top of his voice. "Help!" he shouted.
From Magnuson
at the wheel --
driving a car, steering a car or truck
Who was at the wheel when the car went off the road?
From Magnuson
at this point in time --
awesome Internet link
at this point in time
at this point in time --
now, at this time
At this point in time, ten cases of AIDS have been reported.
From Magnuson
at will --
freely, without restraint
He shared his feelings, speaking at will about his problems.
From Magnuson
at your beck and call --
serving you, doing everything for you
You don't have to be at his beck and call, doing whatever he asks.
From Magnuson
at your fingertips --
easy to find, ready to use
When I repair a car, I like to have all my tools at my fingertips.
From Magnuson
attaboy (that a boy) --
good work, well done,
'at a boy
Whenever I win, Don says, "Attaboy! Good game!"
From Magnuson
attagirl (that a girl) --
good work, well done,
'at a girl
When Judy gets good grades, her mom says, "Attagirl, Judy!"
From Magnuson
away out --
(See
way out)
From Magnuson
away out of line --
(See
way out of line)
From Magnuson
away to the races --
going without a problem,
smooth sailing
When they approve our business loan, we'll be away to the races.
From Magnuson
awesome -- great, super,
bonzer,
totally awesome
We had an awesome time in Rome! It was a great trip!
From Magnuson
axe to grind --
axe to grind Internet link
axe to grind
axe to grind -- (See an axe to grind)
UKT: note to myself - the following from Magnuson are to be incorporated into above.
From AHTD
n. Games 1.
A reference book of rules for card games and other indoor games.
Idioms: according to Hoyle 1. In accord with the prescribed rules or regulations. [After Edmond Hoyle (1672?-1769), British writer on games]
Go back Hoyle-note-b
End of TIL file