at all
not at all
At any time or place, for any reason, or in any degree or manner. Used for emphasis with certain kinds of words or sentences.
Negative
Negative
It's not at all likely he will come.
Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions.
When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least. I'm full of energy."
Limited
I can hardly hear you at all.
Interrogative
Can it be done at all?
Conditional
She will walk with a limp, if she walks at all.
at call
Ready or nearby for use, help, or service; on request.
Thousands of auto insurance agents all over the country are at the insured person's call, wherever he may travel.
At the word of command; at an order or signal.
The dog was trained to come at call.
at one's beck and call
at the beck and call of
Ready and willing to do whatever someone asks; ready to serve at a moment's notice.
Готовность и желание сделать что угодно, что кто-нибудь попросит.
A good parent isn't necessarily always at the child's beck and call.
Parents should not be at the beck and call of their children.
Родители не должны всегда и во всем стремится помогать и подчиняться своим детям.
back to the wall
back against the wall
In a trap, with no way to escape; in bad trouble.
The soldiers had their backs to the wall.
He was in debt and could not get any help; his back was against the wall.
The team had their backs to the wall in the second half.
ball game
The entire matter at hand; the whole situation; the entire contest.
You said we can get a second mortgage for the house? Wow! That's a whole new ball game.
ball is in one's court
дословно: мяч на чьем-то поле
Ситуация в которой следующий ход, следующее действие остается за человеком, в отношении которого употреблено выражение.
Ситуация в которой следующий ход, следующее действие остается за человеком, в отношении которого употреблено выражение.
We made an offer to buy the business and now the ball is in the owner's court to accept our offer or not.
Мы внесли предложение купить бизнес и теперь ход за владельцем, принимать наше предложение или нет.
ball of fire
A person with great energy and ability; a person who can do something very well.
He did poorly in school but as a salesman he is a ball of fire.
The new shortstop is a good fielder but certainly no ball of fire in batting.
ball up
To make a mess of; confuse. Often used in the passive.
Don't ball me up.
Hal balled up the business with his errors.
He was so balled up that he did not know if he was coming or going.