| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|
| an even keel |
good balance, stability |
We need a steady manager, one who can keep an even keel. |
| an eye for an eye (a tooth for a tooth) |
equal punishment or revenge |
Canadian laws do not demand an eye for an eye. |
| an offer I couldn't refuse |
an offer that contains a threat or force, a request that is a command |
The border guards invited me to stay for further questioning - it was an offer I couldn't refuse. |
| an old hand at |
a person with a lot of practice or experience |
Tom's an old hand at cribbage. He's played since he was a boy. |
| an old warhorse |
a veteran, an old soldier, a classic story or tune |
The band played marches and overtures - the old warhorses. |
| an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure |
prevent a problem so you don't have to solve it, a stitch in time... |
Forest fires deserve an ounce of prevention: public education in campfire safety. |
| anal retentive |
too concerned with detail, pedantic |
Amy is anal retentive. She writes down everything the teacher says. |
| anchor you |
make you feel stable or confident |
When you have a crisis, your faith will anchor you. |
| and how |
very much |
The kids love pizza - and how! |
| and stuff |
and other things or activities, et cetera |
We were watchin' TV an' stuff, just hangin' out. |
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