at pains
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Prepositional phrase
at pains
- (idiomatic, with infinitive) Making careful effort (to).
- The agency has been at pains to stress that its decisions are still based on sound science.
Usage notes
- Emphasis is by using an adjective to modify "pains", commonly "great". He was at great pains to distance himself from the rumours.
Translations
making careful effort
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See also
- go to great lengths, go to pains
Anagrams
- Antipas, patinas, pinatas, piñatas, tai-pans, taipans