Idioms beginning with A

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at cross purposes

Meaning: With aims or goals that conflict or interfere with one another.

Example: It will be difficult for us to be successful if we continue working at cross-purposes. Read more ➺


all hell will let loose

Meaning: a situation suddenly becomes noisy and violent, usually with a lot of people arguing or fighting

Example: All hell will let loose when the caged animals break out of their cages. Read more ➺


alma mater

Meaning: the school, college, or university that one attended or in which one has studied

Example: He was delighted when he was offered the position of professor of English at his alma mater. Read more ➺


as far as

Meaning: to the extent of something.

Example: As far as you are concerned, this chapter is over here. You are not to contact her again for anything. Read more ➺


a hard nut to crack

Meaning: a problem that is difficult to solve

Example: She's such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her. Read more ➺


ahead of the curve

Meaning: better than others

Example: His ideas are so innovative, he is way ahead of the curve. He might end up running the company at this rate. Read more ➺


apple pie order

Meaning: neat and tidy in the arrangement

Example: My mother is always cleaning. The house is in apple-pie order. Read more ➺


anything but

Meaning: by no means

Example: We went to see that new action film on Thursday night and it was anything but good, in fact, I fell asleep. Read more ➺


a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor

Meaning: Challenges are necessary to develop strength, skill, and resilience.

Example: She welcomed the criticism because a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Read more ➺


at odds

Meaning: In conflict or disagreement with someone or something.

Example: The two politicians are often at odds over economic policy, leading to heated debates. Read more ➺


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