A
Idioms beginning with "A"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of A:
[ahead of time] {adv. phr.}
Before the expected time; early.
The bus came ahead of time, and Mary was not ready.
The new building was finished ahead of time.
Contrast: [BEHIND TIME].
[aim]
See: [TAKE AIM].
[air]
See:
[BUILD CASTLES IN THE AIR],
[CLEAR THE AIR],
[GIVE ONESELF AIRS],
[GET THE AIR] at [GET THE BOUNCE] (1),
[GIVE THE AIR] at [GIVE THE BOUNCE] (1),
[IN THE AIR],
[INTO THIN AIR],
[LEAVE HANGING] or [LEAVE HANGING IN THE AIR],
[ON THE […]
[air one's dirty linen in public] or [wash one's dirty linen in public] {v. phr.}
To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should be kept secret.
* /Everyone in the school knew that […]
[air shuttle] {n.}, {informal}
Air service for regular commuters operating between major cities at not too far a distance, e.g., between Boston and New York City; such flights operate without reservation on a frequent schedule.
* /My dad takes the air […]
[airbus] n. A trade name, also used informally for a wide-bodied airplane used chiefly as a domestic passenger carrier.
Airbuses don't fly overseas, but mainly from coast to coast.
[airquake] {n.}
An explosive noise of undetermined origin usually heard in coastal communities and appearing to come from some higher point in elevation.
What was that awful noise just now? — I guess it must have been an airquake.
[albatross around one's neck] {n. phr.}, {literary}
Guilt, the haunting past, an unforgettable problem.
Even though it was an accident, John's father's death has been an albatross around John's neck.
Compare: [MONKEY ON ONE'S BACK].