at pains
English
Pronunciation
Audio (General Australian): (file)
Prepositional phrase
- (idiomatic, with infinitive) Making careful effort (to).
- The agency has been at pains to stress that its decisions are still based on sound science.
- He was at great pains to distance himself from the rumours.
- She was at some pains to remind the others to read the instructions.
Usage notes
- Modulation is by using an adjective to modify "pains", commonly "great" to heighten (at great pains) or "some" to moderate (at some pains).
Related terms
Translations
making careful effort
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