| a piece of the action |
(informal) a share of profits, or of some activity. |
| à pied |
(French) on foot; by foot. |
| a posteriori |
proceeding from effect to cause or from observed particular instances to a generalization; inductive. (Cf. a priori.) [2 definitions] |
| a pretty penny |
(informal) a high price or large amount of money. |
| a priori |
proceeding from cause to effect or from the general to the particular; deductive. [3 definitions] |
| a roof over one's head |
a place to live; home; shelter. |
| a tempo |
in the same tempo as before (used as a musical direction after a slower or faster passage). |
| a tough nut to crack |
a problem or situation that is difficult to solve or cope with. [2 definitions] |
| a trifle |
a little bit; somewhat; slightly. |
| a whale of a |
(informal) an exceptionally large or fine example of a (class of objects or persons). |
| A-bomb |
an atomic bomb. |
| A-frame |
an upright supporting frame in the shape of an "A," or a house constructed with one or more such frames as its main structural supports. |
| A-O.K. |
(informal) perfectly fine; in excellent working order. |
| A.A. |
abbreviation of "Associate in Arts," an undergraduate degree conferred on a person who has completed a curriculum in the liberal arts. |
| A.B. |
abbreviation of "artium baccalaureus" (Latin); Bachelor of Arts. |
| A.D. |
abbreviation of "anno Domini" (Latin); in the year of the Lord, or since the birth of Jesus Christ (used in designating dates). |
| a.k.a. |
abbreviation of "also known as." |
| a.m. |
abbreviation of "ante meridiem" (Latin); the period from midnight until noon. |
| after a fashion |
in a limited or unsatisfactory manner. |
| all of a sudden |
suddenly; without warning. |