Idioms beginning with A

(English Idioms & Sayings) Idioms beginning with A

A bit much
If something is excessive or annoying, it is a bit much.

A chain is no stronger than its weakest link
This means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.

A day late and a dollar short
(USA) If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.

A fool and his money are soon parted
This idiom means that people who aren't careful with their money spend it quickly. 'A fool and his money are easily parted' is an alternative form of the idiom.

A fool at 40 is a fool forever
If someone hasn't matured by the time they reach forty, they never will.

A hitch in your giddy-up
If you have a hitch in your giddy-up, you're not feeling well. ('A hitch in your gittie-up' is also used.)

A lick and a promise
If you give something a lick and a promise, you do it hurriedly, most often incompletely, intending to return to it later.

A little bird told me
If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.

A little learning is a dangerous thing
A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.eg. he said he'd done a course on home electrics, but when he tried to mend my table lamp, he fused all the lights! I think a little learning is a dangerous thing

A long row to hoe
Something that is a long row to hoe is a difficult task that takes a long time.

A lost ball in the high weeds
A lost ball in the high weeds is someone who does not know what they are doing, where they are or how to do something.

A OK
If things are A OK, they are absolutely fine.

A penny for your thoughts
This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about.

A penny saved is a penny earned
This means that we shouldn't spend or waste money, but try to save it.

A picture is worth a thousand words
A picture can often get a message across much better than the best verbal description.

A poor man's something
Something or someone that can be compared to something or someone else, but is not as good is a poor man's version; a writer who uses lots of puns but isn't very funny would be a poor man's Oscar Wilde.

A pretty penny
If something costs a pretty penny, it is very expensive.

A problem shared is a problem halved
If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better.

A rising tide lifts all boats
This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.

A rolling stone gathers no moss
People say this to mean that that an ambitious person is more successful than a person not trying to achieve anything. Originally it meant the opposite and was critical of people trying to get ahead.

A slice off a cut loaf is never missed
Used colloquially to describe having sexual intercourse with someone who is not a virgin, especially when they are in a relationship. The analogy refers to a loaf of bread; it is not readily apparent, once the end has been removed, exactly how many slices have been taken.('You never miss a slice from a cut loaf' is also used.)

A steal
If something is a steal, it costs much less than it is really worth.

A still tongue keeps a wise head
Wise people don't talk much.

A watched pot never boils
Some things work out in their own time, so being impatient and constantly checking will just make things seem longer.

A1
If something is A1, it is the very best or finest.

Abide by a decision
If you abide by a decision, you accept it and comply with it, even though you might disagree with it.

Abject lesson
(India) An abject lesson serves as a warning to others. (In some varieties of English 'object lesson' is used.)

About as useful as a chocolate teapot
Someone or something that is of no practical use is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

About face
If someone changes their mind completely, this is an about face. It can be used when companies, governments, etc, change their position on an issue.

Above board
If things are done above board, they are carried out in a legal and proper manner.