The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms Read online

  at peace In a state of agreement or friendliness, not at strife or war; also, in a state of inner harmony or quiet. For example, Whatever their disagreements, Mexico and Belize have remained at peace, or In his last illness he seemed finally to be at peace with himself. [1300s]

  at present Also, at the present time. Now, as in I’ve not enough cash at present to lend you any, or At present the house is still occupied. This slightly longer way of saying “at this time” formerly was even longer—at this present or at that present—denoting a more specific time. [Mid-1600s] Also see AT THIS POINT.

  at random Without order or fixed purpose, haphazardly, as in Jackson Pollock dropped paints on canvas seemingly at random. Originally this phrase meant “very speedily” and “heedlessly.” Shakespeare had the present usage in 1 Henry VI (5:3): “He talks at random; sure the man is mad.” [Late 1500s]

  at rest 1. In a state of inactivity or repose, either physical or mental. For example, The doctor’s clear explanation put her mind at rest. Chaucer used this idiom in Troilus and Cressida (c. 1374): “I mine heart set at rest upon this point.” Also see LAY AT REST. 2. Dead, as in His soul is now at rest with his forebears. This usage, employing rest to refer to death’s repose, is less common today. [1300s]

  at risk 1. In danger, as in Their house’s location on the San Andreas Fault puts them at risk in the next major earthquake. [c. 1900] 2. Legally responsible to pay for loss or damage, as in If he can’t keep up with the insurance premiums, he is at risk for any ­liability claims on the property. [Late 1700s]

  at sea 1. Aboard a ship, on the ocean, as in Within a few hours the ship would be out at sea. During World War II a famous American newscaster addressed his radio broadcasts to listeners everywhere, including “all the ships at sea.” [1300s] 2. Also, all at sea. Perplexed, bewildered, as in She was all at sea in these new surroundings. This ­idiom transfers the condition of a vessel that has lost its bearings to the human mind. Charles Dickens used it in Little Dorrit (1855): “Mrs. Tickit... was so plainly at sea on this part of the case.” [Second half of 1700s]

  at second hand Received from some source other than the original. For example, I learned of Mary’s divorce at second hand. This phrase may be applied to information or to previously owned merchandise. [1400s] Also see AT FIRST HAND.

  at sight 1. See ON SIGHT. 2. On presentation, especially a draft for payment. For example, These bills are payable at sight. This usage replaced on sight in the late 1600s.

  at sixes and sevens Confused, disorganized, disorderly, as in We’ve just moved in, and the office is still at sixes and sevens, or The new college admissions tests were poorly explained, leaving the students at sixes and sevens. This ancient term is thought to come from a game of dice in which throwing a six or seven had a particular significance. The name of the game has been lost, but most likely betting on such a throw was very risky, denoting disorder and confusion. [Late 1300s]

  at someone’s → In addition to idioms beginning with AT SOMEONE’S, also see idioms beginning with AT ONE’S.

  at someone’s beck and call Required to comply with someone’s requests or commands, as in The boss expects the entire staff to be at his beck and call. The noun beck, now obsolete except in this idiom, meant “a gesture or signal of command, such as a nod or hand movement,” whereas call signifies “a vocal summons.” Also see DANCE ­ATTENDANCE ON.

  at someone’s elbow Immediately beside someone, close by, as in The apprentice was constantly at the master’s elbow. Why this idiom focuses on the elbow rather than the arm, shoulder, or some other body part is not known. Moreover, it can mean either that someone is so nearby as to constitute a nuisance or in order to readily provide assistance. Either can be meant in the example above. [Mid-1500s]

  at someone’s feet, be Also, sit at someone’s feet. Be enchanted or fascinated by someone, as in Dozens of boys are at her feet, or Bill sat at his mentor’s feet for nearly three years, but he gradually became disillusioned and left the university. [Early 1700s] For a quite different meaning, see UNDER ONE’S FEET.

  at someone’s heels Also, on someone’s heels. Immediately behind, in close pursuit. This idiom is used both literally, as in Jean’s dog was always at her heels, and figuratively, as in Although his ­company dominated the technology, he always ­­felt that his competitors were on his heels. This idiom ­appeared in the 14th-century romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The expression is sometimes intensified as hard on someone’s heels or hot on someone’s heels. Also see ON THE HEELS OF.

  at someone’s mercy → See AT THE MERCY OF.

  at someone’s request On being asked to do something, as in At my request they’ll move us to another room, or I’m speaking at his request. [1300s] Also see BY REQUEST.

  at someone’s service Ready to help someone, at someone’s disposal, as in The tour guide said he was at our service for the rest of the afternoon. [Second half of 1600s]

  at stake At risk to be won or lost, as in We have a great deal at stake in this transaction. This phrase uses stake in the sense of something that is wagered. Shakespeare used it in Troilus and Cressida (3:3): “I see my reputation is at stake.” [Late 1500s]

  at sword’s point Also, at swords’ points. Antagonistic, hostile, as in Father and son were at swords’ points. Dating from the days when swords were used to settle quarrels, the idiom today generally signifies only a bitter quarrel.

  attach → See NO STRINGS ATTACHED.

  attendance → See DANCE ATTENDANCE ON.

  attention → See PAY ATTENTION.

  at that 1. In addition, besides, as in The seats were good, and quite cheap at that. [First half of 1800s] 2. In spite of, nevertheless, as in Although I had to wait a long time for delivery, it was worth it at that. [Mid-1800s] 3. As it stands, without further changes, as in She wasn’t happy with her grade in the course but decided to leave it at that. [Late 1800s]

  at that point Also, at that point in time. Then, as in At that point we had finished the first batch of cookies and begun the second. This phrase refers to a particular time when an event or circumstance occurred, as opposed to “now” (see AT THIS POINT). [Second half of 1900s]

  at that rate → See AT THIS RATE.

  at that stage → See AT THIS STAGE.

  at the crossroads Also, at a crossroads. At a point of decision or a critical juncture, as in Because of the proposed merger, the company is standing at the crossroads. This phrase, based on the importance accorded to the intersection of two roads since ancient times, has also been used figuratively just about as long. In the 1500s Erasmus quoted from the Greek Theognis’s Elegies (c. 600 B.C.): “I stand at the crossroads.”

  at the drop of a hat Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [Late 1800s]

  at the end of one’s rope → See END OF ONE’S ROPE.

  at the expense of Also, at one’s expense. 1. Paid for by someone, as in The hotel bill for the sales force is at the expense of the company. [Mid-1600s] 2. To the detriment or injury of a person or thing, as in We can’t speed up production at the expense of quality, or The laughter was all at Tom’s expense. [Late 1600s]

  at the hand of Also, at the hands of. Performed by or at the agency of, as in The slaves suffered greatly at the hands of their new masters. This idiom was first recorded about 1035. Also see AT HAND.

  at the helm In charge, in command, as in With Charles at the helm, the company is bound to prosper. This phrase transfers the idea of steering a ship to directing other enterprises. [Early 1500s] Also see the synonym AT THE WHEEL.

  at the last minute At the latest possible moment or opportunity. For example, Jim couldn’t get a reservation because he had called at the last minute. Also see AT THE LATEST; ELEVENTH HOUR.

  at the latest No later than. For example, We have to be in New York by Monday at the latest. This ­idiom was first rec
orded in 1884.

  at the least → See under AT LEAST.

  at the mercy of 1. Also, at someone’s mercy. Subject to the power of, helpless against, as in The captured rebels were at the mercy of the army commander. [Late 1500s] 2. Without any protection against, as in On top of Mount Washington we were at the mercy of the elements. [Late 1600s]

  at the most → See under AT MOST.

  at the outset Also, from the outset. At the start, from the start. For example, He wanted to explain his position from the outset, but there wasn’t time, or At the outset the problem seemed simple, but then it became quite complicated. The noun outset is rarely heard today except in these phrases. [Mid-1700s] Also see FROM DAY ONE.

  at the outside → See under AT MOST.

  at the point of → See ON THE POINT OF.

  at the ready Available for immediate use, as in Umbrellas at the ready, we were prepared to brave the storm. This idiom was originally a military term in which the ready denoted the position of a firearm prepared to be raised and aimed or fired. [First half of 1800s]

  at the same time 1. Simultaneously, as in We were all scheduled to leave at the same time. This idiom was first recorded in 1526. For synonyms, see AT ONCE, def. 1; AT ONE TIME, def. 1. 2. Nevertheless, however, as in Mary agreed with her mother’s criticism, but at the same time she wanted to defend her husband’s views. [c. 1700]

  at the top of one’s lungs Also, at the top of one’s voice. With an extremely loud voice. For example, The babies in the nursery all were crying at the top of their lungs. The noun top here refers to the greatest degree of volume (that is, loudest) rather than high pitch, a usage dating from the mid-1500s.

  at the wheel In command, in control. For example, Ann hated being told what to do; she wanted to be at the wheel by herself. The analogy here is to the steering wheel of an automobile or other vehicle, or the helm of a vessel. For a synonym, see AT THE HELM.

  at the worst → See AT WORST.

  at this point Also, at this point in time or at this juncture or at this moment. Now, as in At this point in time we don’t need a new refrigerator. Even wordier synonyms for “now” than AT PRESENT, all four phrases imply that what is the case now may not always have been so or may not remain so. For example, At this point she is by far the best athlete on the circuit implies that she may not have been the best in the past or may not be in the future. Similarly, Buying a new car seems prudent at this juncture indicates that this purchase may not have been wise in the past and may not be at some ­future time. Also see AT THAT POINT.

  at this rate Also, at that rate. 1. Progressing at this (or that) speed, as in At this rate we’ll never finish in time. [Mid-1600s] 2. Under these circumstances, in that case. For example, At this rate they’ll never settle their differences. [Late 1700s]

  at this stage Also, at this or that stage of the game. At this (that) step, phase, or position in a process or activity, as in I’m not sure if you can help at this stage, but perhaps you can pitch in later, or I don’t need an assistant at this stage of the game. The variant uses game in the sense of “a particular process or activity.” [Early 1800s]

  at times Occasionally, sometimes, as in Away from home for the first time, Mary was homesick at times. [Early 1500s] Also see AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER.

  at variance Differing, discrepant; also, in a state of conflict. For example, John’s and Mary’s answers are at variance means that their answers do not agree, or John was at variance with his in-laws means that he strongly disagreed or quarreled with them. [Early 1500s]

  at war Engaged in armed conflict; also, in a state of disagreement. This term may be used literally, usually of nations or smaller groups engaged in armed hostilities, as well as hyperbolically, describing a mild disagreement as “war,” and figuratively, for an inner conflict. For example, The Greeks and Turks have been at war for many years (literally); The two families were at war about the bill for the wedding reception (hyperbolic); and, as Shakespeare put it in Measure for Measure (2:2): “I am at war ’twixt will and will not” (inner conflict of indecision). [Late 1300s]

  at will Freely, as one pleases, as in The grounds are open to the public and one can wander about at will, or With this thermostat you can adjust the room temperature at will. [1300s]

  at work 1. Engaged in a job or other activity, as in The contractor is hard at work on the new building, or The little boy was fascinated to see the washing machine at work. [Early 1600s] 2. At one’s office or other place of business, as in Is it all right if I telephone you at work? [Late 1800s]

  at worst Also, at the worst. 1. In the least favorable circumstance; under the most difficult conditions. For example, Convicted of taking a bribe, the official believed that at worst he would be sentenced to a few months in prison. [1500s] 2. In the least favorable view or supposition, as in No harm done; at the worst I’ll copy the tax return again. Chaucer used this sense in Troilus and Cressida: “For at the worst, it may yet short our way.” [Late 1300s] For the antonym, see AT BEST.

  augur well for Also, augur ill for; bode well or ill for. Have good (or bad) expectations for someone or something. For example, John’s recovery from surgery augurs well for the team and The Republican victory in the Congressional elections bodes ill for affirmative action. The verb augur is derived from the Latin word for “soothsayer” (predictor of the future), a meaning perpetuated in this phrase and so used since the late 1700s. The verb bode comes from the Old English bodian, meaning “to announce or foretell,” and is rarely heard today except in this idiom, which dates from about 1700.

  authority → See GOOD AUTHORITY.

  avail → In addition to the idiom beginning with AVAIL, also see TO NO AVAIL.

  avail oneself of 1. Take advantage of, benefit by. For example, To get a better mortgage, he availed himself of the employee credit union. [Late 1500s] 2. Use, employ, as in I’ll avail myself of the first cab to come along. [Mid-1800s]

  avoid like the plague Evade or elude at any cost, shun. For example, Since Bob was taken into police custody, his friends have been avoiding him and his family like the plague. This seemingly modern expression dates from the Latin of the early Middle Ages, when Saint Jerome (A.D. 345–420) wrote, “Avoid, as you would the plague, a clergyman who is also a man of business.” The plague, a deadly infectious disease in his day, has been largely wiped out, but the term remains current.

  away → See BACK AWAY; BANG AWAY; BLOW AWAY; BREAK AWAY; BY FAR (AND AWAY); CARRY AWAY; CART OFF (AWAY); CAST AWAY; CLEAR OUT (AWAY); DIE AWAY; DO AWAY WITH; DRAW AWAY; EAT AWAY AT; EXPLAIN AWAY; FADE OUT (AWAY); FALL AWAY; FIRE AWAY; FOOL AWAY; FRITTER AWAY; GET AWAY; GET AWAY WITH; GIVE AWAY; GO AWAY; HAMMER AWAY AT; LAY ASIDE (AWAY); MAKE AWAY WITH; OUT AND AWAY; PASS AWAY; PEG AWAY AT; PISS AWAY; PLUG AWAY AT; PULL AWAY; PUT AWAY; RIGHT AWAY; RUN AWAY; RUN AWAY WITH; SALT AWAY; SEND AWAY; SHY AWAY FROM; SLINK AWAY; SLIP OUT (AWAY); SOCK AWAY; SPIRIT AWAY; SQUARE AWAY; SQUIRREL AWAY; STOW AWAY; TAKE AWAY FROM; TAKE ONE’S BREATH AWAY; TEAR AWAY; THROW AWAY; TUCK AWAY; TURN AWAY; WALK AWAY FROM; WALK OFF (AWAY) WITH; WASTE AWAY; WHALE AWAY; WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY, THE MICE WILL PLAY; WHILE AWAY.

  a while back Also, a while ago. Some time in the past, as in I ran into Barbara a while back but didn’t get her new address, or John wrote me a while ago about his new baby. This term uses a while in the sense of “a short or moderate time,” a usage dating from about 1300.

  awkward age Adolescence, the age when one is no longer a child but not yet an adult. For example, “‘What do you call the awkward age?’ ‘I’m too old to cry and too young to swear’” (Daily Mirror, Dec. 7, 1928, cited by OED) [c. 1900]

  AWOL → See ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE.

  ax → In addition to the idiom beginning with AX, also see GET THE AX.

  ax to grind A selfish aim or motive, as in The article criticized the new software, but the author had an ax to grind, as its manufacturer had fired his son. This frequently used idiom comes from a story by Charles Miner, published in 1811, about a boy who was fla
ttered into turning the grindstone for a man sharpening his ax. He worked hard until the school bell rang, whereupon the man, instead of thanking the boy, began to scold him for being late and told him to hurry to school. “Having an ax to grind” then came into figurative use for having a personal motive for some action. [Mid-1800s]

  b

  babe in arms An infant, as in She’s been a family friend since I was a babe in arms. Although the word “babe” for baby has been used since the 1300s, this phrase describing a child too young to walk (and hence having to be carried) dates only from about 1900.

  babe in the woods An innocent or very naive person who is apt to be duped or victimized, as in She was a babe in the woods where the stock market was concerned. The term originated in a popular ballad of 1595, “The Children in the Wood,” about two young orphans who are abandoned in a forest and die.

  baby → See THROW OUT THE BABY WITH THE BATH WATER.

  back → In addition to the idioms beginning with BACK, also see A WHILE BACK; BEHIND SOMEONE’S BACK; BREAK ONE’S BACK; BREAK THE BACK OF; CALL BACK; CHOKE BACK; COME BACK; CUT BACK; DOUBLE BACK; DRAW BACK; DROP BACK; EYES IN THE BACK OF ONE’S HEAD; FALL ALL OVER ONESELF ( OVER BACKWARDS); FALL BACK; FALL BACK ON; FLAT ON ONE’S BACK; FROM WAY BACK; GET BACK; GET SOMEONE’S BACK UP; GIVE THE SHIRT OFF ONE’S BACK; GO BACK ON; HANG BACK; HARK BACK; HOLD BACK; IN ONE’S OWN BACKYARD; KICK BACK; KNOCK BACK; KNOW LIKE A BOOK (THE BACK OF ONE’S HAND); LEFT-HANDED (BACKHANDED) COMPLIMENT; LIKE WATER OFF A DUCK’S BACK; LOOK BACK; MONKEY ON ONE’S BACK; OFF SOMEONE’S BACK; PAT ON THE BACK; PAY BACK; PIN SOMEONE’S EARS BACK; PLAY BACK; PLOW BACK; PULL BACK; PUT ONE’S BACK INTO; PUT ONE’S BACK UP; ROLL BACK; SCRATCH SOMEONE’S BACK; SEE THE BACK OF; SET BACK; SET BACK ON ONE’S HEELS; SET BACK THE CLOCK; SIT BACK; SLAP ON THE BACK; SNAP BACK; STAB IN THE BACK; TAKE ABACK; TAKE A BACK SEAT; TAKE BACK; TALK BACK; THINK BACK; THROW BACK; TURN BACK; TURN ONE’S BACK ON; WHEN ONE’S BACK IS TURNED; WITH ONE ARM TIED BEHIND ONE’S BACK; YOU SCRATCH MY BACK AND I’LL SCRATCH YOURS.