English dictionary: words starting with a

idiom

To be in a bad mood that causes you to treat other people badly and complain a lot

Usage examples:

You're like a bear with a sore head this morning. what's wrong with you?

idiom

If a situation is not all roses, there are unpleasant things to deal with as well as the pleasant ones

Usage examples:

Being in a relationship is not all roses, you know.

noun

Something that you ask someone to do or hope that will happen, but that will be difficult to achieve

Usage examples:

If the operations in japan are successful, then the business should have a future, but it's a big a…

noun

A small piece or a small amount of something

Usage examples:

Little bits of paper, we need every bit of evidence we can find., we showed a little bit on videota…

To be a situation, or type of behaviour that is unreasonable, or more than you can deal with

Usage examples:

I thought being asked to miss my lunch was a bit much.

phrase

Somewhat excessive or unreasonable.

Usage examples:

His earnestness can be a bit much

adjective

Something that is missing cannot be found because it is not where it should be

Usage examples:

The burglars have been arrested but the jewellery is still missing., when did you realize that the …

phrase

A slight but not serious amount or type of something

Usage examples:

Maria's put on a bit of weight, hasn't she?, it's a bit of a nuisance., getting all the children re…

idiom

Used before describing an event or a result that you are hoping for

Usage examples:

With any luck (= i hope that) we should get to newcastle by early evening.

idiom

To praise someone too much

Usage examples:

She went on and on about how she admired his work - laid it on a bit thick, if you ask me.

noun

An offensive word for an unpleasant man

idiom

Some food

Usage examples:

You'll feel better once you've had a bite to eat.

phrase

An attempt or opportunity to do something.

Usage examples:

The team had victory snatched from their grasp, and could well have had their last bite at the cherry

idiom

Another opportunity to do something

Usage examples:

He missed a medal in the 100 metres, but will get a second bite of the cherry in the 400 metres.

Something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later

Usage examples:

Losing that job was a blessing in disguise really.

phrase

An apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

Usage examples:

Being omitted from the world cup squad was a blessing in disguise

idiom

Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but causes something good to happen later

Usage examples:

Being laid off was a blessing in disguise – within a month i got a much better job.

idiom

Something important or unusual that happens suddenly or unexpectedly

Usage examples:

The resignation of the chairman came like a bolt from the blue.

idiom

Something completely unexpected that surprises you very much

Usage examples:

The news of his marriage was a bolt from the blue.

noun

A weapon that explodes

Usage examples:

Was there any warning before the bomb went off?, the last play was a bomb., they bombed enemy airfi…

idiom

Something that two people or groups cannot agree about

Usage examples:

Money is a common bone of contention in many marriages.

Someone or something that makes a situation feel new, different, and exciting

Usage examples:

The last band was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise boring night of music.

phrase

An act or brief spell of breathing air that is outside or outdoors.

Usage examples:

Researchers found that 50 per cent of workers never leave the office for a breath of fresh air

idiom

Used to show that you are extremely annoyed or bored with an activity and that you will not continue doing it

Usage examples:

I'd been waiting for him for an hour and i thought, sod this for a lark - i'm going home!

idiom

To earn a lot of money

Usage examples:

They made a bundle selling their business.

idiom

To be moving about quickly doing many things

idiom

A short distance

Usage examples:

The museum is just a few steps from the hotel., a couple of steps in any direction is green, open l…

idiom

A short distance

Usage examples:

The museum is just a few steps from the hotel., a couple of steps in any direction is green, open l…

phrase

Noticeably superior to.

Usage examples:

She's a cut above the rest

idiom

Someone who is of a higher social class

Usage examples:

She thinks she's a cut above her neighbours.

phrase

A plan that has been formally arranged or agreed and that is now certain to happen

Usage examples:

Although it has yet to happen, reform of the sector is regarded as a done deal., many now see the e…