Common Idioms starting with “A”
Ahoy! Let’s look at some of the idioms that start with the letter “A” and are commonly used in day-to-day conversations.
A ballpark figure
An approximate figure.
Example — In a corporate setup, you might have heard your manager asking you for an approximate figure of the amount of time and effort required to complete a particular task by saying something of this sort — “John, can you give me a ballpark figure of the processing time of this batch activity.”
A blessing in disguise
Something that seems bad at first, but results in a positive outcome later.
Example — Emily was annoyed to call in sick. But after she married Robert a year later whom she had met at the clinic on that day, she realized that her illness was rather a blessing in disguise.
A day late and a dollar short
Too little and too late.
Example —Although Jason scored a goal at the last minute of the match, it turned out to be a day late and a dollar short as his side lost the match 2–1.
A dime a dozen
So common as to be of very little value.
Example — Amy spent hours at a retail store looking at different smartphones that she found a dime a dozen.
A far cry from (something)
Very or completely different from something.
Example — The election results are a far cry from the exit poll speculations.
A for effort
It is used to recognize that someone tried hard to achieve something, even if they were not successful.
Example — “While there’s a scope for improvement, I will give you an A for effort” — Steven, the coach tells Sam who tried kickboxing for the first time.
A good Samaritan
Someone who gives help to others in need.
Example — After Joana fell off his bike, a good Samaritan helped him to his feet and gave him a lift to the hospital.
A hard/tough nut to crack
A problem or situation that is difficult to deal with or solve; a person who is difficult to understand or persuade.
Example — Finding a job in this economic condition is going to be a hard nut to crack for Jim.
A hot potato
A controversial situation or issue that is difficult to deal with, and thus, gets passed from one person to another.
Example — The new legislation pertaining to electoral reforms is a hot potato for the government.
A little bird/birdie told me
It is used if you don’t want to reveal the source of the information being discussed.
Example — Will and Jill are having a conversation
Jill: Will, how did you know that Sam was going to win ‘Performer of the Year’ award?
Will: Well, let’s just say that a little birdie told me.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
A little learning about a particular subject can mislead one into overestimating one’s abilities, which can result in mistakes.
Example — Pete lost nearly all of his hard earned savings in stock trading, which goes to show that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
That’s all for now! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more idioms.
