List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with A

Idioms & Phrases is one of the most important part of English section in SSC & Other Competitive Exams. It usually covers 4 -5 marks in every exam. As you all know we have already given many quizzes on this topic which are from previous year papers. In order to make it easy for all the aspirants,  Here we are going to start a new series "Most repeated & Expected idioms and phrases (alphabetical order)". Today we will provide List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with A If you like it let us know.

List of Important Idioms and Phrases Beginning with A

1. Achilles heel

Meaning: vulnerable spot, a small fault or weakness in a person or system that can result in its failure.

Example: The corrupt minister is regarded as the government’s Achilles heel and is expected to resign.

2. A bone of contention

Meaning: if there is an issue that always causes tension and arguments

Example: A bone of contention between the husband and wife is that the husband always spends too much money.

3. A dead letter

Meaning: An argument or law not followed by anyone.

Example: The blue laws here are a dead letter; all the stores open on Sundays and holidays

4. At the eleventh hour

Meaning: be too late.

Example: She always turned her term papers in at the eleventh hour.

5. A queer fish

Meaning: a strange person

Example: I knew his father and he was a queer fish too.

6. A worm's eye view

Meaning:  having very little knowledge about something

Example: The novel provides us with a worm's eye view of society.

7. At (on) the heels of

Meaning: close behind or soon after something

Example: As in Mom's birthday comes on the heels of Mother's Day

8. Apple of someone's eyes

Meaning: someone loved very much.

Example: His youngest son was the apple of his eye.

9. Ask for the Moon

Meaning: to ask for too much.

Example: There's no point hoping for a permanent peace in the area. It's like asking for the moon.

10. Asleep at the switch

Meaning: not to be alert on opportunity

Example: Health experts were asleep at the switch when the disease began to spread rapidly again.

11. At sixes and sevens

Meaning: to be lost and bewildered

Example: Riya is at sixes and sevens since the death of her husband.

12. At someone's beck and call

Meaning: to be always ready to serve

Example: Imagine what it's like to have a cook and a maid at your beck and call.

13. At an arm's length

Meaning: to keep at a distance

Example: Ram always keeps his friends at arm's length, so that no one gets close enough to hurt his feelings.

14. A red letter day

Meaning: an important day

Example: A special occasion, as in When Ram comes home from his tour of duty, that'll be a red-letter day

15. A nine days wonder

Meaning: pleasure for a short time

Example: His music was derided by an older generation convinced that he was a nine-day wonder.

16. Alma Mater

Meaning: Institution where i got my education

Example: She has been offered the position of professor of international economic policy in Delhi , her alma mater.

17. At the drop of a hat

Meaning-Willingness to do something instantly

Example: She expects me to make dinner at the drop of a hat even if I am very busy with office work

18. A cold Fish

Meaning: A person devoid of emotions

Example: Ram isn't very demonstrative, but his mother was a cold fish so he probably gets it from her.

19. A cock and bull story

Meaning: An improbable excuse

Example: She told me some cock-and-bull story.

20. Above board

Meaning: straight; without concealment, legitimate; open.

Example: No tricks, please. We want the deal to be above board completely.

Guru Mantra

 “Repetition is the key to success”.

It’s true. To learn anything you must repeat, repeat, repeat. Every day, set aside some time to study vocabulary. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but it is important that you practice a little daily. This will create a good habit.