At Idioms

(English Idioms & Sayings)

at a loss

- to be in a state of uncertainity or bewilderment
We were at a loss about what to do with the computer that was having problems.

at a loss (for words)

- to be speechless, to be unable to speak
I was at a loss for words when I finally saw my mother after several years.

at a sitting

- at one time
We finished all of the food at a sitting.

at a stretch

- continuously
My friend sometimes works for three weeks at a stretch.

at all costs

- no matter what, regardless of the cost or difficulty
The company decided to protect their market share at all costs.

at any rate

- anyway
"At any rate whether you go or not, I am not going."

at bay

- at a distance
We were able to keep the dog at bay when we entered the building.

at best

- as the best one can say, in the best view
The doctors told the man that he had ten months at best to live.

at cross-purposes

- to have opposite ways to do something, to have opposing goals
They are at cross purposes and are always arguing about what to do.

at death's door

- to be near death
The young woman was at death's door after the accident.

at ease

- to be relaxed and comfortable
The team felt at ease after the coach talked to them.

Posted by Learning English through Idioms and Sayings