At pains, be at
also, take pains. make a special effort or take extra trouble to do something. for example, bob was at pains to make a good first impression and wore his best suit, or mary took pains to make sure her speech would interest the audience. [ first half of 1500s ]
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- At peace
the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world. (often initial capital letter) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the peace of ryswick. a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: […]
- At point in time
a sharp or tapering end, as of a dagger. a projecting part of anything: a point of land juts into the bay. a tapering extremity: the points of the fingers. something having a sharp or tapering end: a pen point. a pointed tool or instrument, as an etching needle. a stone implement with a tapering […]
- At present
being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current: increasing respect for the present ruler of the small country. at this time; at hand; immediate: articles for present use. grammar. noting an action or state occurring at the moment of speaking or writing: knows is a present form in he knows that. noting or […]
- At random
proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern: the random selection of numbers. statistics. of or characterizing a process of selection in which each item of a set has an equal probability of being chosen. building trades. (of building materials) lacking uniformity of dimensions: random shingles. (of ashlar) laid without continuous courses. constructed […]
- At rest
the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep: a good night’s rest. refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor: to allow an hour for rest. relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs. a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity: to go away for a rest. mental or spiritual […]