Important Idioms and Phrases Starting with “A”
Idioms and Phrases
Meaning
Sentence
Achilles Heel
Weak Spot
Fear of heights was his Achilles heel
A bone of contention
The main issue of disagreement
J & K is the bone of contention between India and Pakistan
A dead letter
A law that is not repealed but is not being followed by anyone
The Uniform Civil Code is a dead letter.
At the eleventh hour
At last moment
She submitted her assignment at the eleventh hour.
A queer fish
Strange personality
Due to her mismatched clothing, she was a queer fish in the party.
A worm's eye view
Limited understanding due to lack of broad perspective
He was stuck as at the same post for very long as he had a worm’s eye view about technology.
An ace up your sleeve
secret knowledge or skill that will give you an advantage
India has an ace up his sleeve while dealing with China
Apple of one's eyes
Someone or something very precious or dear.
His new baby girl was the apple of his eye.
Ask for the Moon
To make requests/demands that are unreasonable
There's no point hoping for permanent peace in the area. It's like asking for the moon.
Asleep at the switch
Failing to do one’s duty or responsibility on time
The security guard fell asleep at the switch due to which flat was robbed.
At sixes and sevens
In a state of complete disarray or confusion
After the demonetization announcement, people were all left at sixes and sevens.
At someone's beck and call
Completely compliant or obedient to another person
He has an assistant at his beck and call.
At an arm's length
To keep at a distance
Her introvert nature kept most people at arm’s length
A red-letter day
An important or significant day
The Independence Day is a red-letter day for India
A nine days wonder
Something or someone that creates a short-lived sensation
The news of their marriage was only a nine-day wonder.
Alma Mater
The university, school or college that one attended
The high school senior hoped to work for his alma mater after graduating from college
At the drop of a hat
Willingness to do something instantly
John was always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat
A cold Fish
A person who shows no emotions and comes across as unfriendly or disinterested
She hardly speaks to anyone; she is a cold-fish.
A cock and bull story
A fanciful and unbelievable tale
She told me some cock and bull story about her car breaking down.
Above board
Legitimate, Honest and Open
The committee tried to be fair and above board in its hiring.
Comments
Post a Comment