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At it

 - 2 dictionary results
at 1   (āt; ət when unstressed)   
prep.  
    1. In or near the area occupied by; in or near the location of: at the market; at our destination.

    2. In or near the position of: always at my side; at the center of the page.

  1. To or toward the direction or location of, especially for a specific purpose: Questions came at us from all sides.

  2. Present during; attending: at the dance.

  3. Within the interval or span of: at the dinner hour; at a glance.

  4. In the state or condition of: at peace with one's conscience.

  5. In the activity or field of: skilled at playing chess; good at math.

  6. To or using the rate, extent, or amount of; to the point of: at 30 cents a pound; at high speed; at 20 paces; at 350°F.

  7. On, near, or by the time or age of: at three o'clock; at 72 years of age.

  8. On account of; because of: rejoice at a victory.

  9. By way of; through: exited at the rear gate.

  10. In accord with; following: at my request.

  11. Dependent upon: at the mercy of the court.

  12. Occupied with: at work.


[Middle English, from Old English æt; see ad- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

at it

Vigorously pursuing an activity, especially a fight, but also sex or some other activity. For example, Whenever they play bridge they really go at it (fight), or The new job keeps Tom at it day and night (works hard), or In the spring the dogs are always at it (sex). Shakespeare used this seemingly modern idiom for "fighting" in Troilus and Cressida (5:3): "They are at it, hark!" [Late 1500s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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