A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[a must] {n.}
1. An inevitability; a necessity.
Visas in many foreign countries are a must.
2. An extremely interesting or memorable event, such as a free concert given by an international celebrity.
* /Alfred Brendel's Beethoven master […]
[a number] {n.}
A rather large number; numbers. — Used when there arc more than several and fewer than many.
The parents were invited to see the program, and a number came.
* /We knew the Smiths rattier well; we had visited them a number of […]
[a pretty pass] {n. phr.}
An unfortunate condition; a critical state.
While the boss was away, things at the company had come to a pretty pass.
[abide by] {v.}
To accept and obey; be willing to follow.
A basketball player may know he did not foul, but he must abide by the referee's decision.
The members agree to abide by the rules of the club.
[about face] {n.}
A sudden change of course or a decision opposite to what was decided earlier.
Her decision to become an actress instead of a dentist was an about face from her original plans.
[about one's ears] or [around one's ears] {adv. phr.}
To or into complete collapse, defeat, or ruin; to the destruction of a person's plans, hopes, or happiness.
* /They planned to have factories all over the world but the war brought their plans down […]
[about time] {n. phr.}
Finally, but later than it should have been; at last.
Mother said, "It's about time you got up, Mary."
The basketball team won last night. About time.
[about to]
1. Close to; ready to. — Used with an infinitive.
We were about to leave when the snow began.
I haven't gone yet, but I'm about to.
Compare: [GOING TO], [ON THE POINT OF].
2. {informal}
Having a wish or plan to. — Used with […]
[above all] {adv. phr.}
Of first or highest importance; most especially.
Children need many things, but above all they need love.
Syn.: [FIRST AND LAST].
[above suspicion] {adj. phr.}
Too good to be suspected; not likely to do wrong.
The umpire in the game must be above suspicion of supporting one side over the other.