Idioms in alphabetical order

Here're 39 idioms starting with A.

smth. that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in smth. good happening later

a mood in which someone is very involved in his/her own thoughts

a decision by someone in authority that smth./someone is in good condition/healthy

A DROWNING MAN WILL CLUTCH AT A STRAW

when hope of success is fading, people will try anything, no matter how unlikely it is that it will provide a solution

A DYING BREED

a type of person or thing that is becoming rare

A FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP

an equal chance to do smth.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

an occasion when you become more energetic and active than before

A PIG IN A POKE

smth. that you buy or accept without first seeing it or finding out if it is good

A RUNG ON/OF THE LADDER

one of the stages or levels in smth. such as a process or organization, through which it is possible to rise or make progress

ACE IN THE HOLE

a hidden but effective means of winning a conflict

ACE UP (ONE'S) SLEEVE

to have an effective but hidden means to accomplish smth.

ACHILLES' HEEL

a person’s weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character

ACID TEST

the most crucial or important test of worth

ACROSS THE BOARD

equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

the things that people do (actions) are more important than the things they say (words)

ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE

to make an argument or bad situation worse

ALBATROSS AROUND (ONE'S) NECK

smth. or someone that is a burden and difficult to get rid of

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END

it is inevitable that good experiences will eventually end

ALL KIDDING ASIDE

speaking seriously

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

smth. that seems to be good on the surface, but might not be when you look at it more closely

ALL THUMBS

uncoordinated and awkward, especially with one’s hands

ALL WET

wrong to the point of being silly or unbelievable

ALONG FOR THE RIDE, GO/COME

to be present for an activity without taking part in it

AN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

an obvious problem that no one wants to discuss

ANOTHER/A SECOND BITE AT/OF THE CHERRY

another opportunity to do smth.

APPLE OF (ONE'S) EYE

a person or thing that is precious or loved above all else

ARMED TO THE TEETH

well-equipped with weapons

AS HARD AS NAILS

very tough or strong (1); showing no sympathy or kindness (2)

AS THE CROW FLIES

directly or in a straight line, without roads

AT (ONE'S) WITS' END

at a loss about what to do next; in a state of frustration

AT A LOW EBB

in a bad or weak state

AT A SNAIL'S PACE

extremely slowly

AT LOGGERHEADS

in strong disagreement, in a quarrel; at an impasse

AT THE DROP OF A HAT

on any pretext; without needing an excuse or reason

AT THE END OF (ONE'S) ROPE

no longer able to deal with a bad situation

AT THE TOP OF ONE'S LUNGS

extremely loudly

AT YOUR WORST

less active or intelligent than you are at other times (1); showing the most unpleasant side of someone's character (2)

AVOID SMTH. LIKE THE PLAGUE

to be determined to avoid something completely

AX TO GRIND

a hidden reason for wanting smth. or for not liking someone or smth.

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