Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "A"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
A A Milne
"A A Milne" refers to Alan Alexander Milne, an English author best known for creating the character Winnie-the-Pooh.
A Bit Of
"a bit of" means a small amount or a little bit of something. It's often used to indicate a quantity that is not very much but still significant. For example, "I'll have a bit of cake" means you want a small piece of cake, or "It's a bit of a walk" means it's a somewhat long but not extremely long distance.
A Bite To Eat
"A bite to eat" refers to a small amount of food or a quick meal. It's often used when someone is looking for something to snack on or isn't planning on having a full, formal dining experience.
A Black Look
"A black look" refers to an angry or hostile expression on someone's face, often indicating displeasure, dissatisfaction, or threat. It is a stern or menacing gaze that can make others feel uncomfortable or intimidated.
A Bon Chat Bon Rat
The phrase "a bon chat bon rat" is a French expression that translates to "a good cat is a good rat" in English. It means that when someone is in a particular role or situation, they will perform their duties effectively, just like a good cat is efficient at catching rats. It can also imply that someone is versatile and capable in different situations.
A Bouche Ouverte
The phrase "a bouche ouverte" is French and translates to "with an open mouth" in English. It typically describes a state of surprise, astonishment, or being speechless.
A Dicto Simpliciter
The phrase "a dicto simpliciter" is a logical fallacy that refers to the incorrect application of a general rule or principle to a specific case without considering the nuances or exceptions that might exist. It means taking a broad statement and applying it universally without proper qualification or consideration of individual circumstances.
A E I O U
The letters "a, e, i, o, u" are the vowels in the English language. They are the letters that can be pronounced without any consonant sounds and are typically found at the beginning or middle of words. Vowels are important for forming word sounds and are central to many aspects of English pronunciation.
A E Housman
A.E. Housman refers to Alfred Edward Housman, an English poet and classical scholar known for his works such as "A Shropshire Lad" and his scholarly editions of Latin literature. The initials "A.E." stand for Alfred Edward, while "Housman" is his surname.
A Far Cry From
"A far cry from" is an expression used to indicate a significant difference or distance between two things, situations, or people. It suggests that one thing is greatly unlike or distant from another. For example:<br><br>"The new office is a far cry from the old one; it's much more modern and spacious."
A Friend Of Mine
"a friend of mine" refers to someone who is acquainted with the speaker and considered to be their friend. It is a way of saying that the person being referred to is known personally to the speaker.
A Great Deal
"a great deal" means a large amount or quantity, often referring to something intangible like time, effort, or money. It can be used to express that something is significant or substantial. For example:<br><br>"I have a great deal of work to do today," meaning there is a lot of work to be completed.<br><br>"She learned a great deal from that experience," indicating that she gained considerable knowledge or insight.
A La Carte
A la carte is a French phrase that means "according to the price of the card" or "per item". In modern usage, it refers to a service or offering where customers can choose individual items or services from a menu, rather than being required to purchase a set or bundled package. For example, a restaurant might offer a la carte pricing for individual entrees, sides, and desserts, rather than requiring customers to purchase a fixed meal package.
A La Mode
The phrase "a la mode" is French and it means "in style" or "fashionable" in English. It is often used to describe something that is currently popular or trendy. For example, you might say, "This ice cream flavor is really popular, it's served a la mode."
A La Seconde
The phrase "à la seconde" is French and translates to "in the second way" or "the second way" in English. It usually refers to a method, style, or manner in which something is done or presented, indicating an alternative approach or a different option from the first one.
A Life Of Ease
A life of ease refers to a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle without much effort or stress. It implies a situation where one has financial security, leisure time, and the ability to enjoy themselves without having to work hard or struggle.
A Long Time Ago
"A long time ago" refers to a period in the distant past, suggesting that an event or situation occurred many years or even centuries earlier. It is often used to introduce stories or historical narratives.
A Long Way
The phrase "a long way" typically refers to a significant distance or a considerable amount of time needed to travel or accomplish something. It implies that the journey or task is not short or easy, requiring persistence or effort.
A Lot Of
"A lot of" means a large quantity or number of something. It is often used to indicate that there is a significant amount or many items involved. For example, "I have a lot of work to do" means there is a substantial amount of work, and "There are a lot of people at the party" suggests there are many people present.
A Moot Point
A "moot point" is a matter or issue that is debatable, open to discussion, or no longer relevant because it cannot be changed or settled. It refers to a point that may have been important at one time but has now become academic or hypothetical.
A Number Of
The phrase "a number of" refers to an unspecified but considerable or more than one quantity or amount of something. It is often used when the exact count is not important or known, but you want to convey that there is a multitude or several instances of something. For example:<br><br>- A number of students signed up for the event.<br>- A number of books are missing from the library.
A Piece Of
The phrase "a piece of" typically refers to a small or portion of something, often used when referring to an object, idea, or concept. For example, "a piece of cake" means it's easy, "a piece of advice" is a suggestion, and "a piece of artwork" is a section or part of a larger creation. It can also imply that something is incomplete or not the whole thing.
A Stitch In Time
"A stitch in time saves nine" is an English proverb that means taking care of a problem or task promptly will prevent it from becoming a bigger issue later on. It emphasizes the importance of addressing problems early on to avoid more work or complications.
A Whole Lot
"A whole lot" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a large or significant amount of something. It implies that there is a considerable quantity or extent, often more than what might be expected or considered typical. For example, "I love reading a whole lot of books every month."
Ab Urbe Condita
"Ab urbe condita" is a Latin phrase that means "from the founding of the city." It refers to the traditional date of 753 BC when Rome was founded, and it is used as a historical marker for counting years in ancient Roman history.
Abercrombie And Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch is a clothing retailer known for its upscale casual wear, particularly popular among young adults. The brand was founded in 1892 and is known for its logo-bearing apparel, fragrance, and accessories. It has often been associated with preppy fashion and has had a significant influence on youth culture.
Above All Else
" Above all else " means that something is the most important thing or priority above everything else. It emphasizes the significance of a particular aspect or value.
Above And Beyond
"Above and beyond" means going beyond what is expected or required, usually referring to someone's efforts or actions. It signifies doing more than the minimum or providing exceptional service or performance.
Ad Astra Per Aspera
The phrase "ad astra per aspera" is Latin and translates to "to the stars through hardships" or "through difficulties to great heights." It is often used to express the idea that one must endure challenges and obstacles in order to achieve significant accomplishments or reach their goals.
Ad Dictum Simpliciter
"Ad dictum simpliciter" is a Latin phrase that translates to "according to the simple statement" or "on the literal saying." It is often used in philosophical and legal contexts to refer to interpreting a statement or text at face value, without considering any underlying nuances, implications, or context. It emphasizes a straightforward, unqualified acceptance of what has been said or written.
Ad Limina Apostolorum
"Ad limina apostolorum" is a Latin phrase that means "to the thresholds of the apostles." In the context of the Catholic Church, it refers to the visit that bishops make to Rome to meet with the Pope and pray at the tombs of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. These visits are typically required every five years and serve as an opportunity for bishops to discuss various issues related to their dioceses with the Holy See.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
This phrase is Latin for "to the greater glory of God." It is often used as a motto, particularly in religious contexts, to express the idea that actions or endeavors should be undertaken with the aim of honoring or praising God.
Ad Subjiciendum Et Recipiendum
This Latin phrase, "ad subjiciendum et recipiendum," can be translated to "for submission and acceptance." It is often used in academic or legal contexts to refer to a process where a proposal, thesis, or document is presented for review and approval. It implies that the work is being submitted for consideration and is open to being received or accepted by an authority or higher body.
Adam And Eve
"Adam and Eve" refers to the first man and woman in the biblical account of creation. They are considered the ancestors of all humanity in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The story of Adam and Eve is found in the book of Genesis, where they are depicted as living in the Garden of Eden until they disobey God's commandment, leading to their expulsion and the introduction of sin into the world.
Add Up To
"Add up to" means to total or sum up to a certain amount or conclusion. It can be used both literally, as in calculating numbers, and figuratively, as in combining elements to reach a final result or understanding. For example:<br><br>- "The cost of the books and the shipping add up to $50."<br>- "All his efforts and dedication added up to a successful career."
Adrar Des Iforas
The phrase "adrar des iforas" does not seem to be a recognized or direct translation in English. It appears to be a combination of words from different languages, possibly from Arabic ("adrar," which means "guidance" or "direction") and a typo or regional term from another language. Without more context, it's difficult to provide an exact meaning. If you can provide more information or correct the phrase, I would be happy to help you understand its intended meaning.