Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Results for a

a was found in the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary at the entries listed below.

A noun LETTER
A noun MUSIC
A noun MARK
A noun ELECTRICITY
a determiner NOT PARTICULAR
a determiner ONE
a cappella adjective/adverb
A-frame noun
A-frame adjective, at A-frame (noun)
A level noun
A-list adjective
A-lister noun, at A-list (adjective)
a.m. adverb
A.N. Other noun
A-OK adjective
a priori adjective
a priori adverb, at a priori (adjective)
bric-a-brac noun
chock-a-block adjective
cock-a-doodle-doo noun
cock-a-hoop adjective
cock-a-leekie noun
a good word noun
mano a mano noun
mano a mano adverb
once-in-a-lifetime adjective
oops-a-daisy exclamation
peek-a-boo noun
Q and A adjective
rent-a- prefix
son of a bitch noun
son of a gun noun
time and a half noun
ting-a-ling exclamation
vis-a-vis preposition
vitamin A noun
a wet weekend noun
a noun, at A (noun) LETTER
A.D. adverb, at AD (adverb)
hell of a adjective/adverb, at helluva (adjective/adverb)
ups-a-daisy exclamation, at oops-a-daisy (exclamation)
p.a. adverb, at pa (adverb)
ding-a-ling exclamation, at ting-a-ling (exclamation)
shut up like a clam, at
in accordance with a rule/law/wish/etc.
as bald as a coot
as bald as a cue ball, at as bald as a coot
a barrage of sth
have a bash
run a bath
a battery of sth
have a bearing on sth
beat a path through sth
a bed of sth
make a beeline for
not believe a word of it
have a bellyful of sb/sth
beyond a reasonable doubt, at beyond reasonable doubt
a billion/billions of sth
a bit
a bit of sth
a bit ...
not a bit
quite a bit
have a bite to eat
have a quick bite, at have a bite to eat
a blaze of sth
blow sb a kiss
blow a kiss to/at sb, at blow sb a kiss
in a body
make a bolt for somewhere
a bomb
have a boob job
(a) breach of the peace
break out in a rash/spots/sweat
give sb a break
make a break
make a break (from/for)
take a breath
a breath of air
a brush with sth
do a bunk
gone for a burton
a good/bad buy
a case of sth
a case in point
a case of wine, etc.
cast a look/glance/smile etc.
cast a spell
catch a few rays
a change of clothes
a changed man/woman
lead/live a charmed life
a child of sth
be in a class of your own
be in a class by itself/of its own
be in a cleft stick
at a fast/good clip
a clip round/on the ear
close a deal
cock a snook at sb/sth
a commanding position/view
concede a goal/point
put a construction on sth
a contradiction in terms
a convincing win/victory
settle (a case) out of court
(just) a crack
be a credit to sb/sth
come a cropper
cut a tooth
cut a corner
put a damper/dampener on sth
dart a glance/look at sb
a dash
in a daze
a good/great deal
deal a blow to sb/sth
deal sb/sth a blow, at deal a blow to sb/sth
a deluge of sth
die a natural/violent death
make a (big) difference
with a difference
have a difference of opinion
a dim memory/recollection, etc.
at a disadvantage
be a disaster
discharge a debt
strike a discordant note
be a disgrace
be a disgrace to sb/sth
at/from a distance
cause a disturbance
be in a dither about sth
a done deal
a doss
do a double take
without (a) doubt
have a down on sb
draw a conclusion
draw to a close/an end
drop sb a line
drop (sb) a hint
a big/good/small eater
by a process of elimination
ever so/ever such a
execute a will
be expecting (a baby)
make/pull a face
as a matter of fact
a fact of life
by a factor of
be a faff
be a fag
a fair hearing
take a fancy to sth/sb
follow (a) fashion
after a fashion
not feel a thing
a feel for sth
a beer/film/jazz, etc. fest
a few
a figment of sb's imagination
with a fine-tooth comb
on a first-name basis, at on first-name terms
a flaming row
have a flick through sth
with a flourish
a flush of anger/excitement/pleasure, etc.
a fond belief/hope
make a fool of sb
make a fool of yourself
live in a fool's paradise
a force to be reckoned with
force a laugh/smile
pay a forfeit
speak with a forked tongue
hit a four
a health/computer/surf, etc. freak
on a full stomach
a function of sth
a fund of sth
a furrowed brow
make a fuss of/over sb
have/take a gander
as a general rule, at in general
have a genius for sth
give sth a go
at a glance
a glass of sth
make a go of sth
have a go at sb
get off to a good start
do (sb) a good turn
a good deal of
a good ...
a good ...'s, at a good ...
a grown man/woman
a hail of sth
a hair-trigger temper
call a halt to sth
(not) a ha'porth of difference
a hardened criminal/detective, etc.
make a hash of sth
be having a baby/twins, etc.
a helluva guy/woman/teacher, etc.
hitch a lift/ride
hoist a flag
be a short hop
a host of
a hotbed of sth
be a howling success
go into a huddle
in a huff
a hundred/hundreds of sth
a jobbing actor/builder/gardener, etc.
keep a diary/an account/a record, etc.
keep a secret
be like a kid in a candy store
on a knife-edge
lead a busy/normal/quiet, etc. life
at a hell of lick
start a new life
make a new life for yourself, at start a new life
give sb a lift
a light
a good/remarkable, etc. likeness
a long line of
a litany of sth
a little
a little (bit)
a little something
a load
lodge a claim/complaint/protest, etc.
not get a look-in
keep a lookout for sth/sb
a lot (of)
a lot
have a lot to answer for
a new/record/all-time low
a marketing/advertising, etc. man
put a match to sth
be a matter of confidence/luck/waiting, etc.
a man/woman of means
make a mental note of sth
make a mess of sth
a million/millions of sth
be a mirror of sth
give sth a miss
a mite
a good/bad mixer
a mountain of sth
a bit much
be much of a muchness
a multitude of
pull a muscle
a must-do/-have/-see, etc.
a narrow escape
have a nasty feeling
a night out
a nip (in the air)
have a nose job
make a nuisance of yourself
a number of things
in a nutshell
(every) once in a while
once in a lifetime
a one-time teacher/doctor/cleaner, etc.
have a one-track mind
a one-way ticket to sth
a packet
on a par (with sb/sth)
in (a) large part
make a pass at sb
a passion for sth
a passport to sth
a past
pay (sb) a call
have/take a peek
a penetrating mind
a performance
a repeat performance
a piercing criticism/question/remark, etc.
be a pig to do/play, etc.
be (as) plain as a pikestaff
a plague of sth
a plain Jane
in a cast, at in plaster
play a joke/trick
play a part
a plume of dust/smoke, etc.
have/win a plurality
that's a (good) point
take a pop at sb
be in a position to do sth
a poverty of sth
make a practice of sth
a predominance of sth
a preface to sth
press a case/claim
keep/break a promise
propose a toast
take a punishing
serve a purpose
put a price/value/figure on sth
a quarter of an hour
a quarter to two/three/four etc.
a quarter past two/three/four etc.
a quarter of two/three/four, etc., at a quarter to two/three/four etc.
a quarter after two/three/four, etc., at a quarter past two/three/four etc.
a quick study
have a quick one
have a quick temper
a rash of sth
reach a decision/agreement/conclusion, etc.
redeem a coupon/voucher, etc.
a reflection on sb/sth
a regular guy
a love/hate relationship
a reminder of sb/sth
have a responsibility to sb
as a result of sth
return a verdict/sentence
come as/be a revelation
a ribbon of sth
run/take a risk
a roll in the hay
in a row
run a tight ship
a run of sth
a good/bad sailor
a good Samaritan
a pair of scales
a scintilla of sth
a scout around/round
a sea of sth
without a second thought
in a sense
a shade
beyond/without a shadow of a doubt
a shitload of sth
a shock to the system
a good/poor shot
a shot of sth
a good/poor, etc. show
a shower of sth
have/take a shufti
throw a sickie
a sight
a slap in the face
a slap on the back
a slap on the wrist
sleep like a log
a good/heavy/light sleeper
slip of a sth
a snake (in the grass)
a sniffle
cock a snook at sb/sth
have a soft spot for sb
solemnize a marriage
a son of somewhere
not a soul
in/within a short space of time
spare a thought for sb
spin (sb) a story/tale/yarn
the spirit of a law/rule, etc.
have a stake in sth
stand a chance
start a family
for a start
take a stick to sb/sth
a stiff breeze/wind
a stiff drink/brandy/gin, etc.
not a stitch
stop a cheque
stop payment on a check, at stop a cheque
put a stop to sth
at a stretch
in a strict sense
strike a pose/attitude
a stroke of luck/genius, etc.
a strong-arm tactic/method
be a sucker for sth
a clean sweep
go with a swing
a tad
take a lot out of sb, at take it out of sb
make a takeover bid for sth
tell a lie/lies
be in a bad/foul, etc. temper
run/have a temperature
be (a) testimony to sth
be as thin as a rake
be as thin as a rail, at be as thin as a rake
it's a good thing
a thing
not a (single) thing
not have a thing to wear
there isn't a thing you can do
have a think
a thousand/thousands of sth
throw a glance/look
throw a party
throw a fit/tantrum
a throw
thumb a lift
give sb a tickle
a desk/car/sink, etc. tidy
for a time
at a time, at at (any) one time
a good/bad timekeeper
be/live in a time warp
give sb a tinkle
do a ton
toss a pancake
a toss of a coin
a touch
give sb/sth a tow
a treasure trove of sth
be a tribute to sth/sb
in a trice
be a trick of the light
a trifle
take a ... turn
take a turn for the better/worse
in a state of undress
a united front
in a vacuum
draw a veil over sth
a walking disaster/encyclopedia, etc.
a short/five-minute/ten-minute, etc. walk
have a wash
do a wash
a new/second, etc. wave of sth
a whiff of sth
a while
not a whit
throw a wobbly
a month's/year's, etc. worth of sth
a yawn
from A to B
from A to Z
have a passing/slight/nodding acquaintance with sth
be a hard/tough act to follow
do a disappearing/vanishing act
a man of action
a piece/slice of the action
be/come up against a brick wall
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
an arm and a leg
take a back seat
a boot/kick up the/your backside
be in a bad way
give sth up as a bad job
be a badge of sth
have a ball
a whole new ball game
go with a bang
go over with a bang, at go with a bang
a baptism of/by fire
be a barrel of laughs/fun
have sb over a barrel
on a need-to-know basis
take a battering
not have a bean
be like a bear with a sore head
like a (real) bear, at be like a bear with a sore head
beat a path to sb's door
beat a retreat
be (as) busy as a bee
have a bee in your bonnet
go as red as a beetroot, at go/turn beetroot (red)
go as red as a beet, at go/turn beetroot (red)
Behind every great/successful man there stands a woman.
give sb a bell
the best of a bad bunch/lot
be a good bet
be a safe bet
do sth for a bet
do sth on a bet, at do sth for a bet
be no better than (a) sth
beyond a joke
beyond a shadow of a doubt
a big ask
A bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush).
birds of a feather
Birds of a feather flock together.
(as) free as a bird
be a bit much
be a bit of all right
not a bit of it
life's a bitch (and then you die)
a bitter pill (to swallow)
paint a black picture of sth/sb
A bad workman blames his tools.
a blanket of sth
a blast from the past
blaze a trail
a blessing in disguise
(as) blind as a bat
not take a blind bit of notice
a blinding flash
a blitz on sth
get blood out of/from a stone
(almost) burst a blood vessel
a blot on sb's character
a blot on the landscape
blow a fuse/gasket
once in a blue moon
a bolt from/out of the blue
go (like/down) a bomb
go like a bomb
a bone of contention
have a bone to pick with sb
born with a silver spoon in your mouth
fire a (warning) shot across sb's bow(s)
Life is just a bowl of cherries.
give sb a box on the ears, at box sb's ears
put a brake on
put on a brave face
put a brave face on it, at put on a brave face
a breath of fresh air
Always a bridesmaid, never the bride.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
like a bull in a china shop
have a bumpy ride
have a bun in the oven
a bunch of fives
a bundle of laughs
a bundle of nerves
go a bundle on sth
make a bundle
burn a hole in sb's pocket
What a business!
bust a gut
have a butcher's
at the push of a button
give sb a buzz
call a spade a spade
call it a day
with a capital A/B etc.
have a card up your sleeve
have a care
without a care in the world
not a care in the world, at without a care in the world
carry a torch for sb
make a case for sth
make out a case for sth, at make a case for sth
like a cat on a hot tin roof
like a cat on hot bricks, at like a cat on a hot tin roof
not have a cat in hell's chance
not have a snowball's chance in hell, at not have a cat in hell's chance
chance would be a fine thing
A change is as good as a rest.
be a chapter of accidents
a cheap shot
a chicken and egg situation
a chip off the old block
have a chip on your shoulder
Keep a civil tongue in your head!
not have a civil word to say about sb
(as) clean as a (new) pin
(as) clean as a whistle, at (as) clean as a (new) pin
a clean bill of health
a clean sheet/slate
make a clean breast of it
(as) clear as a bell
hold a clinic
be under a cloud
a cloud hanging over sb
a cloud on the horizon
Every cloud has a silver lining.
not have a clue
a cog in a/the machine
to coin a phrase
be on a collision course
come down on sb like a ton of bricks
enter a convent
(as) cool as a cucumber
keep a cool head
cop a feel
cop a plea
be in a tight corner
corner on a market
cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune
cost a bomb/the Earth/a packet, at cost an arm and a leg/a small fortune
be riding/on the crest of a wave
a crock (of shit)
a (heavy) cross to bear
be at a crossroads
a cry for help
it's a crying shame
cut a fine figure
cut quite a figure/dash, at cut a fine figure
cut a swathe through sth
you could cut the atmosphere with a knife
a cut above
be (as) daft as a brush
not give/care a damn
a damsel in distress
it's a date
all in a day's work
take each day as it comes/take it one day at a time
be as dead as a doornail
(as) deaf as a post
make/put a dent in sth
She/He deserves a medal
the/a devil of a sth
not a dickybird
die a natural death, at die a/the death
dig yourself into a hole
take a dim view of sth
be a dime a dozen
be two/ten a penny, at be a dime a dozen
give sb a dirty look
a dog in the manger
a dog's breakfast
a dog's life
done up/dressed up like a dog's dinner
Give a dog a bad name.
Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
all of a doodah
like a dose of salts
be a drag on sb/sth
draw a blank
draw a veil over sth
be (living) in a dream world
in a dream
work/go like a dream
drink like a fish
drive a coach and horses through sth
drive a hard bargain
drive a wedge between sb
drop sb/sth like a hot potato
drop a brick/clanger
a drop in the ocean
a drop in the bucket, at a drop in the ocean
a drop too much (to drink)
at the drop of a hat
A drowning man will clutch at a straw.
look like a drowned rat
drunk as a lord
drunk as a skunk, at drunk as a lord
as dry as a bone
There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
take to sth like a duck to water
have/take a dump
I'm a Dutchman
Early to bed and early to rise (makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise).
(as) easy as pie/ABC/anything/falling off a log
eat like a horse
(I'm so hungry), I could eat a horse.
at a low ebb
a miserable/poor, etc. excuse for sth
An eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth).
have a face like the back end of a bus
a fair crack of the whip
a fair shake, at a fair crack of the whip
it's a fair cop
be a far cry from sth
go a long way, at go far
a fate worse than death
be kind/generous, etc. to a fault
Do me/us a favour!
be (as) light as a feather
a feather in your cap
a feeding frenzy
feed sb a line
have a few (too many)
a man/woman of few words
have a field day
not care/give a fig
fight a losing battle
a fight to the finish
a fine figure of a man/woman
put a figure on it
have sth down to a fine art
have sth off to a fine art, at have sth down to a fine art
not to put too fine a point on
have a finger in every pie
have a finger in the pie
not lift/raise a finger
a firm hand
be a big fish in a small pond
be like a fish out of water
a fishing expedition
be (as) fit as a fiddle
be (as) fit as a flea, at be (as) fit as a fiddle
have/throw a fit
give sb (a) five
a flash in the pan
in a flash
quick as a flash, at in a flash
be (as) flat as a pancake
send sb away with a flea in their ear
have a fling
flog a dead horse
all of a flutter
in a flutter
fly into a rage
fly into a temper/fury, at fly into a rage
go fly a kite
wouldn't harm/hurt a fly
have a foot in both camps
not put a foot wrong
a free ride
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
be cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey
be as fresh as a daisy
A friend in need (is a friend indeed).
look a fright
have a frog in your throat
come to a full stop
be in a funk
It's a funny old world.
have a short fuse
step/move up a gear
look like/as though you've seen a ghost
not have a/the ghost of a chance
a gift from the gods
a big/great girl's blouse
given half a chance, at given the chance/choice
put a gloss on sth
be a glutton for sth
be a glutton for punishment
There is a God!
be a good job/thing
have a good innings
feel like a gooseberry, at play gooseberry
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.
have a grandstand view
be a great one for sth
grind to a halt/standstill
get/keep a grip on yourself
be stuck in a groove
a hair's breadth
not a hair out of place
not half such a, at not half as
That was a game/meal/walk, etc. and a half!
keep a firm hand on sth
a safe pair of hands
hang by a thread
You might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb.
not be a happy bunny
take a hard line on sb/sth
harm a hair on sb's head
A good time was had by all.
a head of steam
be banging, etc. your head against a brick wall
come to a head
bring sth to a head, at come to a head
a full/good/thick, etc. head of hair
have your head (buried/stuck) in a book
keep a cool head, at keep your head
run round like a headless chicken
be like a deer/rabbit caught in the headlights
collapse/fall in a heap
a (whole) heap of sth
won't hear a word (said) against sb/sth
You could have heard a pin drop.
Have a heart!
have a heart of gold
have a heart of stone
your heart skips/misses a beat
nearly/almost have a heart attack
heave a sigh of relief
a heavy date
have a heavy foot
a heavy heart
a heavy hitter
a heck of a
hell of a
give/lend sb a helping hand
Don't hide your light under a bushel.
be on a hiding to nothing
be as high as a kite
Take a hike!
are/make a hit with
go (off) without a hitch
a hive of activity/industry
can't hold a candle to
hold down a job
be in a hole
a hole in one
make a hole in sth
need sth like you need a hole in the head
be a hoot
not care/give a hoot, at not care/give two hoots
not have a hope in hell
be on the horns of a dilemma
have a horror of sth
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
get on like a house on fire
Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile.
an iron hand/fist in a velvet glove
beat sb to a jelly
Many a true word is spoken in jest.
do a good/bad job
do/make a good/bad job of sth
get/go beyond a joke
make a joke of sth
take a joke
You can't judge a book by its cover.
get a jump on sb/sth
just a minute/moment/second
a pretty/fine kettle of fish
kick up a fuss/row/stink
a kick up the arse/backside
a kick in the butt/pants, at a kick up the arse/backside
make a killing
of a kind
a king's ransom
have a cow, at have kittens
be knee-high to a grasshopper
get your knickers in a twist
a knight in shining armour
You could have knocked me down/over with a feather.
take/have a knock
a knockout blow
a bit of a lad
like a lamb to the slaughter
Bugger/Sod, etc. this for a lark!
as a last resort
be in a lather
get into a lather
laugh like a drain
for a laugh
You're having a laugh.
a laundry list
be a law unto yourself
lay a finger on sb
lay a hand on sb
lay it on a bit thick
lay it on with a trowel, at lay it on a bit thick
lead sb a (merry) dance
go down like a lead balloon
take a leaf out of sb's book
be in a different league
leak like a sieve
take a leak/have a leak
a leap in the dark
leave a bad taste in your mouth
leave a lot to be desired
without so much as a by-your-leave
give sb a leg up
have a leg up on sb
not have a leg to stand on
be a legend in your own lifetime
A leopard can't/doesn't change its spots.
let sb in on a secret
a level playing field
be a licence to print money
a lick and a promise
be a pack of lies
be a tissue of lies, at be a pack of lies
I tell a lie
Get a life!
go out like a light
show someone in a bad light
(as) light as a feather
like two peas in a pod
(That's) a likely story!
out on a limb
get a line on sb
have a nice/good etc. line in sth
a list as long as your arm
a good listener
a little bird told me
live a lie
live like a king/lord
Get a load of that!
a load of crap/nonsense/rubbish, etc.
Half a loaf is better than none.
go a long way
go a long way towards doing sth
go back a long way
have come a long way
it's a long story
a long face
a long way to go
not by a long chalk/shot
take a long, hard look at sth
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
knock/throw sb for a loop
be at a loose end
be at a loss
there's a lot of it about
with a bit of luck, at with any luck
bring a lump to your throat
have a good/healthy pair of lungs
(as) mad as a hatter/March hare
a magic touch
make a day/night/evening/weekend of it
make a man (out) of sb
a man's man
to a man
like a maniac
in a manner of speaking
many a time
be a martyr to sth
as a matter of course
be (only) a matter of time
be a matter of life and/or death
be a matter of opinion
be a matter of record
That's a matter of opinion.
make a meal (out) of sth
a means to an end
give sb a dose/taste of their own medicine
a meeting of minds
have a memory like an elephant
take a stroll/trip/walk down memory lane
a metaphor for sth
have a method to your madness, at have method in your madness
a mile a minute
a mile off
stand/stick out a mile
be one in a million
one-in-a-million
look/feel (like) a million dollars
look/feel (like) a million bucks, at look/feel (like) a million dollars
thanks a million
be (like) a millstone around/round your neck
have a mind of its own
have half a mind/a good mind to do sth
a load/weight off your mind
your mind is a blank/goes blank
a mine of information
mine a rich seam of sth
be in a minority of one
not for a minute
do sb/yourself a mischief
miss a chance/opportunity
not miss a trick
make a mockery of sth
have a senior/blond, etc. moment
not a moment too soon
not for a moment
I'll be a monkey's uncle!
make a monkey out of sb
not give a monkey's
not in a month of Sundays
be a monument to sth
do a moonlight flit
make a mountain out of a molehill
give someone a mouthful
not move a muscle
get a move on
make a move
make a muck of sth
a mug's game
cover/hide a multitude of sins
without a murmur
nail a lie
be a name to conjure with
make a name for yourself
a narrow squeak
a nasty piece of work
a needle in a haystack
hit/touch a (raw) nerve
feel like a new woman/man
A new broom sweeps clean.
a new lease of life
a new lease on life, at a new lease of life
That's a new one on me.
a night on the town
be a nine days' wonder
ninety-nine times out of a hundred, at nine times out of ten
ninety-nine times out of a hundred
a nip (here) and a tuck (there)
a nip and tuck
have a nodding acquaintance with sb/sth
A nod's as good as a wink.
make a noise about sth
make a noise, at make noises
make (a) nonsense of sth
by a nose
have your nose in a book
have a (good) nose for sth
make/take a note
have/take a notion to do sth
do a number on sb
a numbers game
a hard/tough nut to crack
a tough/hard nut
be (as) nutty as a fruitcake
once upon a time
be a one
be one of a kind
a hundred/thousand/million and one
couldn't organize a piss-up in a brewery
owe sb a living
pack a punch
a pack rat
a pain (in the neck)
a pain in the arse/backside
sb couldn't act/argue/fight, etc. their way out of a paper bag
a paper chase
be (a) party to sth
a passing resemblance
a pat on the back
go through a bad/difficult/rough/sticky patch
not be a patch on sth
have the patience of a saint
payback's a bitch
a pearl of great price
put sb on a pedestal
bring/take sb down a peg (or two)
be two/ten a penny
be a dime a dozen, at be two/ten a penny
In for a penny, (in for a pound)
not have a penny to your name
(a) penny for your thoughts
A penny saved is a penny earned.
Take a pew!
pick a fight/quarrel/argument
be in a (pretty/right) pickle
be a picture
Every picture tells a story.
sb's face is a picture
give sb a piece of your mind
make a pig of yourself
make a pig's ear of sth
a pig in a poke
put sth/sb in a pigeonhole
make a pile
at a pinch
in a pinch, at at a pinch
pissed as a newt/fart
A place for everything and everything in its place.
a place in the sun
be (as) plain as a pikestaff, at be (as) plain as the nose on your face
give/hand sth to sb on a plate
share a platform
give/hand sth to sb on a (silver) platter
play a joke/trick on sb
make a play for sth/sb
it's a pleasure
make a point of doing sth
up to a point
a political football
come/be a poor second/third, etc.
Is the Pope a Catholic?
like a man/woman possessed
not have a pot to piss in
take/get a pounding
do sb a power of good
not have a prayer
be at a premium
cost sb a pretty penny
not be a pretty sight
not be just a pretty face
a pretty pass
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure., at Prevention is better than cure.
at/for a price
Pride comes/goes before a fall.
have a problem with sth/sb
make a production (out) of sth
keep a low profile
vanish/go up/disappear in a puff of smoke
pull a fast one
pull a gun/knife, etc. on sb
beat sb to a pulp
turn into a pumpkin
at a push
be a question of doing sth
a question mark over sth
take a rain check (on sth)
save/keep money for a rainy day
raise (a few) eyebrows
(as) stiff/straight as a ramrod
a rap on/over the knuckles
have a rare old time
at a rate of knots
a raw deal
on a razor edge
a reach of the imagination
be a recipe for disaster/trouble/success, etc.
be like a red rag to a bull
not a red cent
a reign of terror
keep a tight rein on sb/sth
keep sb/sth on a tight rein, at keep a tight rein on sb/sth
in a good/bad, etc. state of repair, at in good/bad repair
be a reproach to sb/sth
give it a rest
be riding for a fall
ride (on) a wave of sth
a rough ride
take sb for a ride
a right one
ring a bell
a riot of colour
get a rise out of
take a rise out of, at get a rise out of
do a roaring trade
a roaring success
be (caught) between a rock and a hard place
be (as) solid as a rock
give sb a rocket
it doesn't take a rocket scientist, at it's not rocket science
make a rod for your own back
be on a roll
a rolling stone (gathers no moss)
a roof over your head
There's no/not enough room to swing a cat.
not a bed of roses, at not all roses
have a roving eye
a hard/tough row to hoe
a rubber check
as a (general) rule
make it a rule
a rum do
raise a rumpus
kick up a rumpus, at raise a rumpus
run a mile
be running a fever
run sb out of town (on a rail)
give sb a run for their money
have a good run for your money
do a runner
(go and) take a running jump
in a rut
take sth with a pinch of salt
take sth with a grain of salt, at take sth with a pinch of salt
not a sausage
have a lot to say for yourself
it says a lot for sb/sth
not say boo to a goose, at not say boo
says a lot about sb/sth, at says something about sb/sth
there's a lot to be said for, at there's something to be said for
settle a score
scrape a living
have a screw loose
be a rich seam to mine
see a man about a dog
sell sb a bill of goods
sell sb a pup, at sell sb a bill of goods
send a signal to sb
do sb a service
be a shadow of your former self
cast a shadow over/on sth
like a shag on a rock
more (...) than you can shake a stick at
shake a leg
in two shakes (of a lamb's tail)
a couple of shakes, at in two shakes (of a lamb's tail)
A problem shared is a problem halved.
have a sharp tongue
have/lead a sheltered life
take a shine to sb
not give a shit
shit a brick
on a shoestring
shoot a glance at sb
have a short memory
not be short of a bob or two
a shot in the arm
a shot in the dark
like a shot
a shoulder to cry on
give sb a shout
take/need a cold shower
shudder to a halt
sick as a dog
sick as a parrot
memory/mind like a sieve
a sight for sore eyes
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
sink like a stone
sink like a lead balloon, at sink like a stone
sink to a whisper
sink to such a level/such depths
sink without (a) trace
six of one and half a dozen of the other
be a slam dunk
be a slave to sth
a sledgehammer to crack a nut
a slice of life
There's many a slip twixt cup and lip.
It's a small world.
a small fortune
smell a rat
at a snail's pace
not have a snowball's chance in hell
a snowball effect
Put a sock in it!
not care/give a sod
be something of a sth
something a little stronger
for a song
make a song and dance about sth
stand/stick out like a sore thumb
It takes all sorts (to make a world).
of a sort, at of sorts
(a) sort of
be as sound as a bell
put/throw a spanner in the works
throw a (monkey) wrench in the works, at put/throw a spanner in the works
make a spectacle of yourself
spend a penny
take a spill
spin a coin
in a spin
make a splash
be spoiling for a fight
put a spoke in sb's wheel, etc.
a spring in your step
square peg (in a round hole)
have/make a stab at sth
stake a claim
from a standing start
You're a star!
be in/get into a state
steal a march on sb
steer a course/path
a few/couple of steps
a step backwards
a backward step, at a step backwards
a step forward
in a stew
a stick to beat sb with
come to/meet a sticky end
have a sting in the/its tail
cause a stink
create/kick up/raise a stink
A stitch in time (saves nine).
have a strong stomach
have a weak stomach
drop/fall/sink like a stone
a stone's throw
cook/dance/talk, etc. up a storm
storm in a teacup
tempest in a teapot, at storm in a teacup
(as) straight as a die
like a streak of lightning
stretch a point
strike a balance
strike a blow against/at sth
strike a blow for sth
strike a chord
strike a note
at the stroke of a pen
a strong stomach, at strong nerves
have a strop on
be as stubborn as a mule
pull a stunt
all of a sudden
One swallow doesn't make a summer.
get in a sweat
be like taking candy from a baby
be as easy as taking candy from a baby, at be like taking candy from a baby
take one (thing) at a time
Take a walk!
be like talking to a brick wall
You're a fine one to talk!, at Look who's talking!
talk a blue streak
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey
be a tall order
a tall tale
go/fly off at a tangent
go off on a tangent, at go/fly off at a tangent
teach sb a lesson
be in a tearing hurry
tear a strip off sb
tear sb off a strip, at tear a strip off sb
to a tee
thanks a bunch, at thanks for nothing
thanks a lot, at thanks for nothing
There's a good boy/girl/dog!
thereby hangs a tale
It takes a thief to catch a thief.
like a thief in the night
have a thin time (of it)
a close/near thing
a close call, at a close/near thing
a thing of the past
a thing or two
be on to a good thing
have a thing about sth/sb
make a big thing (out) of sth
that's a thought
throw (sb) a curve (ball)
be in a tight corner/spot
walk/tread a tightrope
give sb a hard time
have a lot of time for sb
a matter/question of time
There's a time and a place (for everything).
Time's a great healer.
not give a tinker's cuss
not give a tinker's damn, at not give a tinker's cuss
like a ton of bricks
too much of a good thing
a torrid time
not give/care a toss
touch/strike/hit a (raw) nerve
wouldn't touch sth with a barge pole
wouldn't touch sth with a ten-foot pole, at wouldn't touch sth with a barge pole
a tower of strength
a treat
swear like a trooper
a (quick/brisk) trot through sth
take a tumble
not turn a hair
turn a blind eye
turn a deaf ear
turn over a new leaf
a good/bad turn
a turn of the screw
cooked/done to a turn
when sb was a (mere) twinkle in their father's eye
be two of a kind
Two's company, three's a crowd.
with a vengeance
be a victim of your own success
be a victory for common sense
with a view to doing sth
make a virtue (out) of sth
wait a minute/moment/second
a watch out
water off a duck's back
find a way
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
weigh a ton
be/take a weight off your mind
a few well-chosen words
have a whale of a time
a whale of a
a fifth/third wheel
be in a whirl
give it a whirl
by a whisker
come within a whisker of (doing) sth
(as) white as a sheet
as a whole
give sth/sb a wide berth
Where there's a will there's a way.
with a will
on a wing and a prayer
not sleep a wink
not get a wink of sleep, at not sleep a wink
without (so much as) a backward glance
a wolf in sheep's clothing
it's a wonder
breathe/say a word
have a word in sb's ear
in a word
not get a word in edgeways
not get a word in edgewise, at not get a word in edgeways
put in a good word for sb
All work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy).
work a treat
work like a charm
work a treat, at work wonders/miracles
work like a Trojan
work like a dog, at work like a Trojan
in a world of your own
make a world of difference
a man/woman of the world
a world of difference
Two wrongs don't make a right.
for a man/woman/person of his/her years

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