at pains

English

Pronunciation

Audio (AU) (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.

Usage notes

Emphasis is by using an adjective to modify "pains", commonly "great": at great pains.

Translations

making careful effort

French: faire tout son possible pour
Swedish: bemöda sig om att (be at pains to)

See also

go to great lengths, go to pains

Anagrams

Antipas, patinas, pinatas, piñatas, tai-pans, taipans

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