Idioms and phrases starting from A
with their meanings.
A barking dog seldom
bites
A person who readily threatens other people does not often
take action.
A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.
A bridge too far
A bridge too far is an act of overreaching- going too far
and getting into trouble or failing.
A chain is no
stronger than its weakest link
This means that processes, organizations, etc, are
vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
A day late and a
dollar short
(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is
too little, too late.
A fool and his money
are soon parted
This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their
money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an
alternative form of the idiom.
A fool at 40 is a
fool forever
If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they
never will.
A fresh pair of eyes
A person who is brought in to examine something carefully is
a fresh pair of eyes.
A hitch in your
giddy-up
If you have a hitch in your giddy-up, you're not feeling
well. ('A hitch in your gittie-up' is also used.)
A leap in the dark
An action or a risk that you take without having much idea
about what will happen as a result.
A lick and a promise
If you give something a lick and a promise, you do it
hurriedly, most often incompletely, intending to return to it later.
A light purse is a
heavy curse
Life is difficult when you don't have much money.
A List
Prominent and influential people who comprise the most
desirable guests at a social function or gathering.
A little bird told me
If someone doesn't want to say where they got some
information from, they can say that a little bird told them.
A little learning is
a dangerous thing
A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they
are more expert than they really are.eg. he said he'd done a course on home
electrics, but when he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I
think a little learning is a dangerous thing
A long row to hoe
Something that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that
takes a long time.
A lost ball in the
high weeds
A lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know
what they are doing, where they are or how to do something.
A lot on my plate
If you have got a lot on your plate, you are very busy and
have commitments.
A month of Sundays
A month of Sundays is a long period of time: I haven't seen
her in a month of Sundays.
A OK
If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.
A penny for your
thoughts
This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are
thinking about.
A penny saved is a
penny earned
Saving money is just as important as earning money- we
shouldn't spend it foolishly.
A penny saved is a
penny earned
This means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try
to save it.
A picture is worth a
thousand words
A picture can often get a message across much better than
the best verbal description.
A poor man's
something
Something or someone that can be compared to something or
someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version; a writer who uses
lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde.
A pretty penny
If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive.
A problem shared is a
problem halved
If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel
better.
A rising tide lifts
all boats
This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea
that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.
A rolling stone
gathers no moss
People say this to mean that an ambitious person is more
successful than a person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant
the opposite and was critical of people trying to get ahead.
A shallow brook
babbles the loudest
People who are loud and talk a lot usually have nothing of
substance to say. This contrasts with "Still waters run deep." Other
versions are "Shallow brooks babble loudest" and "Shallow brooks
are noisy."
A slice off a cut
loaf is never missed
Used colloquially to describe having sexual intercourse with
someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. The
analogy refers to a loaf of bread; it is not readily apparent, once the end has
been removed, exactly how many slices have been taken.('You never miss a slice
from a cut loaf' is also used.)
A steal
If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is
really worth.
A still tongue keeps
a wise head
Wise people don't talk much.
A textbook case
A textbook case, it is a classic or common example of
something.
A tumbleweed moment
A period of stunned silence when someone says something
particularly stupid or offensive is a tumbleweed moment,
A watched pot never
boils
Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient
and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.
A1
If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.
ABC
ABC means the basics of something- knowing the ABC of
science, etc.
ABC
Meaning:basic terms or basic steps example:she don't know
even ABC steps in dance.
Abide by a decision
If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with
it, even though you might disagree with it.
Abject lesson
(India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others. (In
some varieties of English 'object lesson' is used.)
About as useful as a
chocolate teapot
Someone or something that is of no practical use is about as
useful as a chocolate teapot.
About face
If someone changes their mind completely, this is an about
face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on
an issue.
Above and beyond
This means more than what is expected or required.
Above board
If things are done above board, they are carried out in a
legal and proper manner.
Above par
Better than average or normal
Above the fold
If a news story is important, it will be above the fold- in
the top half of the page of a newspaper.
Above the salt
This means that something or someone has a high position.
Absence makes the
heart grow fonder
This idiom means that when people are apart, their love
grows stronger.
Accident waiting to
happen
If something is an accident waiting to happen, there's
definitely going to be an accident or it's bound to go wrong. ('Disaster
waiting to happen' is also used.)
Ace in the hole
An ace in the hole is something other people are not aware
of that can be used to your advantage when the time is right.
Ace up your sleeve
If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something that
will give you an advantage that other people don't know about.
Achilles' heel
A person's weak spot is their Achilles' heel.
Acid test
An acid test is something that proves whether something is
good, effective, etc, or not.
Across the board
If something applies to everybody, it applies across the
board.
Across the ditch
(NZ) This idiom means on the other side of the Tasman Sea,
used to refer to Australia or New Zealand depending on the speaker's location.
Across the pond
(UK) This idiom means on the other side of the Atlantic
Ocean, used to refer to the US or the UK depending on the speaker's location.
Act of God
An act of God is something like an earthquake or floods that
human beings cannot prevent or control.
Act of war
An act of war is a action that is either intended to start a
war or that is interpreted as being sufficient cause for a war.
Act your age, not
your shoe size
Stop behaving immaturely- it is often said to adults who are
acting like overgrown children and to school-age children who are acting like
overgrown toddlers.
Actions speak louder
than words
This idiom means that what people actually do is more
important than what they say- people can promise things but then fail to
deliver.
Adam's ale
(dated, humorous) water
Adam's apple
The Adam's apple is a bulge in the throat, mostly seen in
men.
Add fuel to the fire
If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation
worse.
Add insult to injury
When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation
even worse.
After the watershed
The watershed is the time limit after which more
controversial subjects, bad language,
etc, can be shown on TV in some countries, so if it's after the watershed, then
discussions can be freer, franker and more controversial.
After your own heart
A person after your own heart thinks the same way as you.
Against the clock
If you do something against the clock, you are rushed and
have very little time to do it.
Against the grain
If doing something goes against the grain, you're unwilling
to do it because it contradicts what you believe in, but you have no real
choice.
Against your better
judgment
If you do something against your better judgment, you do it
even though you do not think you should. You can also do something against
someone else's better judgment.
Age before beauty
When this idiom is used, it is a way of allowing an older person
to do something first, though often in a slightly sarcastic way.
Agony aunt
An agony aunt is a newspaper columnist who gives advice to
people having problems, especially personal ones.
Ahead of the curve
Similar to ahead of the pack, ahead of the curve literally
refers to your position on the statistical bell curve, where the top of the
curve represents the median, average result. By being ahead of the curve you
represent the top percentile of results that either has the advanced skills or
understanding that sets you apart.
Ahead of the pack
If you are ahead of the pack, you have made more progress
than your rivals.
Ahead of time
If something happens ahead of time, it happens early or
before the set time.
Air your dirty
laundry in public
If you air your dirty laundry in public, you reveal aspects
of your private life that should really remain private, by telling a secret,
arguing in public, etc.
Albatross around your
neck
An albatross around, or round, your neck is a problem
resulting from something you did that stops you from being successful.
Alike as two peas
If people or things are as alike as two peas, they are
identical.
Alive and kicking
If something is active and doing well, it is alive and
kicking. (It can be used for people
too.)
All ages and stripes
A shorthand for expressing a diversity of folks in a group
All along
If you have known or suspected something all along, then you
have felt this from the beginning.
All and sundry
This idiom is a way of emphasising 'all', like saying 'each
and every one'.
All bark and no bite
When someone talks tough but really isn't, they are all bark
and no bite.
All bets are off
(USA) If all bets are off, then agreements that have been
made no longer apply.
All but
If someone all but does something, they almost do it, but
don't manage to.
All cats are grey in
the dark
Things are indistinguishable in the dark so appearances
don't matter.('All cats are grey at night' is also used.)
All dressed up and
nowhere to go
You're prepared for something that isn't going to happen.
All ears
If someone says they're all ears, they are very interested
in hearing about something.
All eyes on me
If all eyes are on someone, then everyone is paying attention
to them.
All fingers and
thumbs
If you're all fingers and thumbs, you are too excited or
clumsy to do something properly that requires manual dexterity. 'All thumbs' is
an alternative form of the idiom.
All hat, no cattle
(USA) When someone talks big, but cannot back it up, they
are all hat, no cattle.('Big hat, no cattle' is also used.)
All heart
Someone who is all heart is very kind and generous.
All hell broke loose
When all hell breaks loose, there is chaos, confusion and
trouble.
All in a day's work
If something is all in a day's work, it is nothing special.
All in your head
If something is all in your head, you have imagined it and
it is not real.
All mod cons
If something has all mod cons, it has all the best and most
desirable features. It is an abbreviation of 'modern convenience' that was used
in house adverts.
All mouth and
trousers
(UK) Someone who's all mouth and trousers talks or boasts a
lot but doesn't deliver. 'All mouth and no trousers' is also used, though this
is a corruption of the original.
All my eye and Peggy
Martin
(UK) An idiom that appears to have gone out of use but was
prevalent in the English north Midlands of Staffordshire, Cheshire and
Derbyshire from at least the turn of the 20th century until the early 1950s or
so. The idiom's meaning is literally something said or written that is
unbelievable, rumor, over embellished, the result of malicious village gossip
etc.
All of the above
This idiom can be used to mean everything that has been said
or written, especially all the choices or possibilities.
All over bar the
shouting
When something is all over bar the shouting, the outcome is
absolutely certain.('All over but the shouting' is also used.)
All over Hell's half
acre
(USA) If you have been all over Hell's half acre, you have
been traveling and visiting many more places than originally intended, usually
because you were unsuccessful in finding what you were looking for. It can also
be used to mean everywhere.
All over the map
(USA) If something like a discussion is all over the map, it
doesn't stick to the main topic and goes off on tangents.
All over the place
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is
all over the place.
All over the shop
If something is completely disorganised or confused, it is
all over the shop.
All over the show
If something is all over the show, it's in a complete
mess.An alternative to 'All over the shop'.
All roads lead to
Rome
This means that there can be many different ways of doing
something.
All set
If you're all set, you are ready for something.
All sixes
If something is all sixes, it doesn't matter how it's done;
it's the same as 'six of one and half a dozen of the other'.
All skin and bone
If a person is very underweight, they are all skin and bone,
or bones.
All square
If something is all square, nobody has an advantage or is
ahead of the others.
All talk and no
trousers
(UK) Someone who is all talk and no trousers, talks about
doing big, important things, but doesn't take any action.
All that glitters is
not gold
This means that appearances can be deceptive and things that
look or sound valuable can be worthless. ('All that glistens is not gold' is an
alternative.)
All the rage
If something's all the rage, it is very popular or
fashionable at the moment.
All the tea in China
If someone won't do something for all the tea in China, they
won't do it no matter how much money they are offered.
All things to all
people
When we try to be all things to all people, we try to
satifsy everyone, and often end up satisfying no one.
All work and no play
makes Jack a dull boy
This expression means that people need time off from working
and if they don't get it, they will become bored and lack interest and
enthusiasm.(It is often shortened to All work and no play.)
All your eggs in one
basket
If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk everything
at once, instead of trying to spread the risk. (This is often used as a
negative imperative- 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'. 'Have your eggs
in one basket' is also used.)
All's fair in love
and war
This idiom is used to say that where there is conflict,
people can be expected to behave in a more vicious way.
All's well that ends
well
If the end result is good, then everything is good.
All-rounder
An all-rounder is someone of wide-ranging skills or great
versatility. someone who is expert in many things, especially if they are good
at all areas of a sport.
All-singing,
all-dancing
If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest
version with the most up-to-date features.
Almost only counts in
horseshoes and hand grenades
(USA) Used in response to someone saying "almost"
in a win/lose situation. The full expression is "Almost only counts in
horseshoes and hand grenades." An alternate form puts "and flinging
shit from a shovel" at the end.
Alter ego
An alter ego is a very close and intimate friend. It is a
Latin phrase that literally means 'other self'.
Always a bridesmaid,
never a bride
If someone is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, they never
manage to fulfill their ambition- they get close, but never manage the
recognition, etc, they crave.
Ambulance chaser
A lawyer who encourages people who have been in accidents or
become ill to sue for compensation is an ambulance chaser.
Amen
Some use 'Amen' or 'Amen to that' as a way of agreeing with
something that has just been said.
An apple a day keeps
the doctor away
Eating healthy food keeps you healthy.
An Englishman's home
is his castle
(UK) This means that what happens in a person's home or
private life is their business and should not be subject to outside
interference.
An old flame
An old flame is a person that somebody has had an emotional,
usually passionate, relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with
affection.
An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure
This expression means that is is better to try to avoid
problems in the first place, rather than trying to fix them once they arise.
And all that jazz
This idiom means that everything related or similar is
included.
Angry as a bear
If someone is as angry as a bear, they are very
angry.('Angry as a bear with a sore foot' is also used.)
Angry as a bull
If someone is as angry as a bull, they are very angry.
Answers on a postcard
This idiom can be used to suggest that the answer to
something is very obvious or that the person would really like to hear what
people think.
Ants in your pants
If someone has ants in their pants, they are agitated or
excited about something and can't keep still.
Any port in a storm
This means that in an emergency any solution will do, even
one that would normally be unacceptable.
Any Tom, Dick or
Harry
If something could be done by any Tom, Dick or Harry, it
could be done by absolutely anyone.
Apple of your eye
Something or, more often, someone that is very special to
you is the 'apple of your' eye.
Apple pie order
Everything is in perfect order and tidy if it is in apple
pie order.
Apples and oranges
'Apples and oranges' used when people compare or describe
two totally different things. ('Apples to oranges' is also used.)
Apples for apples
An apples for apples comparison is a comparison between
related or similar things. ('Apples to apples' is also used.)
Apron strings
A man who is tied to a woman's apron strings is excessively
dependent on her, especially when it is his mother's apron strings.
Argue the toss
(UK) If you argue the toss, you refuse to accept a decision
and argue about it.
Arm and a leg
If something costs an arm and a leg, it is very expensive.
Armchair critic
An armchair critic is someone who offers advice but never
shows that they could actually do any better.
Armchair quarterback
(USA) An armchair quarterback is someone who offers advice,
especially about football, but never shows that they could actually do any
better.
Armed to the teeth
If people are armed to the teeth, they have lots of weapons.
Around the clock
If something is open around the clock, it is open 24 hours a
day. For example, an airport is open around the clock.
Arrow in the quiver
An arrow in the quiver is a strategy or option that could be
used to achieve your objective.
As a rule
If you do something as a rule, then you usually do it.
As cold as ice
This idiom can be used to describe a person who does not
show any emotion.
As cold as stone
If something is as cold as stone, it is very cold. If a
person is as cold as stone, they are unemotional.
As cool as a cucumber
If someone is as cool as a cucumber, they don't get worried
by anything.
As good as new
If something has been used but is still in extremely good
condition, it is as good as new.
As good as your word
If you say you will do something and then do it, you are as
good as your word.
As mad as a hatter
This simile means that someone is crazy or behaves very
strangely. In the past many people who made hats went insane because they had a
lot of contact with mercury.
As mad as a wrongly
shot hog
(USA) If someone is as mad as a wrongly shot hog, they are
very angry. (Same as, Angry as a bear or Angry as a bull).
As much use as a
chocolate fire-guard
A fire-guard is used in front of a fireplace for safety. A
chocolate fire-guard is of no use. An alternative to 'As much use as a
chocolate teapot'.
As much use as a
chocolate teapot
Something that is as much use as a chocolate teapot is not
useful at all.
As much use as a
handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as
worthless or pointless.
As neat as a new pin
This idiom means tidy and clean.
As one man
If people do something as one man, then they do it at
exactly the same time or in complete agreement.
As rare as hen's
teeth
(USA) Something that is rare as hen's teeth is very rare or
non-existent.
As the actress said
to the bishop
(UK) This idiom is used to highlight a sexual reference,
deliberate or accidental.
As the crow flies
This idiom is used to describe the shortest possible
distance between two places.
As you sow, so shall
you reap
This means that if you do bad things to people, bad things
will happen to you, or good things if you do good things.
Asleep at the switch
If someone is asleep at the switch, they are not doing their
job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the wheel' is
an alternative.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their
job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is
an alternative.
At a drop of a dime
(USA) If someone will do something at the drop of a dime,
they will do it instantly, without hesitation.
At a loose end
(UK) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but
don't know what to do with it.
At a loss
If you are at a loss, you are unable to understand or
comply.
At a snail's pace
If something moves at a snail's pace, it moves very slowly.
At a stretch
If you work for a period of time, lioke ten hours, at a
stretch, you work without breaks or interruptions.
At arm's length
If something is at arm's length, it is a safe distance waway
from you.
At cross purposes
When people are at cross purposes, they misunderstand each
other or have different or opposing objectives.
At daggers drawn
If people are at daggers drawn, they are very angry and close
to violence.
At death's door
If someone is at death's door, they are very ill and close
to death. If someone looks as if they are at death's door, they look seriously
unwell and might actually be dying.
At each other's
throats
If people are at each other's throats, they are fighting,
arguing or competing ruthlessly.
At every turn
If something happens at every turn, it happens repeatedly or
constantly.
At full tilt
If something is at full tilt, it is going or happening as
fast or as hard as possible.
At gunpoint
If you have to do something at gunpoint, you are forced into
doing it.
At large
If a criminal is at large, they have not been found or
caught.
At loggerheads
If people are at loggerheads, they are arguing and can't
agree on anything.
At loose ends
(USA) If you are at a loose end, you have spare time but
don't know what to do with it.
At odds
If you are at odds with someone, you cannot agree with them
and argue.
At sea
If things are at sea, or all at sea, they are disorganized
and chaotic.
At the bottom of the
totem pole
(USA) If someone is at the bottom of the totem pole, they
are unimportant. Opposite is at the top of the totem pole.
At the coalface
If you work at the coalface, you deal with the real problems
and issues, rather than sitting in a office discussing things in a detached
way.
At the crossroads
If you're at a crossroads, you are a point where an
important decision or choice has to be made.
At the drop of a hat
If you would do something at the drop of a hat, you'd do it
immediately.
At the end of the day
This is used to mean 'in conclusion' or 'when all is said
and done'.
At the end of your
rope
(USA) If you are at the end of your rope, you are at the
limit of your patience or endurance.
At the end of your
tether
(UK) If you are at the end of your tether, you are at the
limit of your patience or endurance.
At the fore
In a leading position
At the top of my
lungs
If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly
as you possibly can.
At the top of the
list
If something is at the top of the list, it is of highest
priority, most important, most urgent, or the next in one's line of attention.
At the top of your
lungs
If you shout at the top of your lungs, you shout as loudly
as you possibly can.
At the top of your
voice
If you talk, shout or sing at the top of your voice, you do
it as loudly as you can.
At your fingertips
When something is at your fingertips, it is readily
available and accessible.
At your wits' end
If you are at your wits' end, you have no idea what to do
next and are very frustrated.
Augean stables
An Augean stable is a place that is very dirty or corrupt.
Cleaning an Augean stable is trying to remove the dirt or corruption.
Average Joe
An average Joe is an ordinary person without anything exceptional
about them.
Avowed intent
If someone makes a solemn or serious promise publicly to
attempt to reach a certain goal, this is their avowed intent.
Away with the fairies
If someone is away with the fairies, they don't face reality
and have unrealistic expectations of life.
Awe inspiring
Something or someone that is awe inspiring amazes people in
a slightly frightening but positive way.
AWOL
AWOL stands for "Absent without Leave", or
"Absent without Official Leave". Originally a military term, it is
used when someone has gone missing without telling anyone or asking for
permission.
Axe to grind
If you have an axe to grind with someone or about something,
you have a grievance, a resentment and you want to get revenge or sort it out.
In American English, it is 'ax'.
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