at best
at the best
Under the best conditions; as the best possibility.
A coal miner's job is dirty and dangerous at best.
We can't get to New York before ten o'clock at best.
In the most favorable way of looking at something; even saying the best about the thing.
The treasurer had at best been careless with the club's money, but most people thought he had been dishonest.
at each other's throats
Always arguing and quarreling.
Joan and Harry have been at each other's throats so long that they have forgotten how much they used to love one another.
at least
at the least
At the smallest guess; no fewer than; no less than.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day.
At least three students are failing in mathematics.
Mr. Johnson must weigh 200 pounds at least.
I spend at least two hours every night on my studies.
Mike claims that he drinks at least a quart of water every day.
Whatever else you may say; anyhow; anyway.
It was a clumsy move, but at least it saved her from getting hit.
She broke her arm, but at least it wasn't the arm she writes with.
The Mortons had fun at their picnic yesterday - at least the children did - they played while their parents cooked the food.
He's not coming - at least that's what he said.
at most
at the most
By the largest or most generous guess; at the upper limit; by the maximum account; not more than; at best; at worst.
It was a minor offense at most.
He had been gone 15 minutes at the most.
Their new house lot is a quarter acre at most.
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.
at the drop of a hat
Without waiting; immediately; promptly.
Без промедления, немедленно, безотлагательно
If you need a babysitter quickly, call Mary, because she can come at the drop of a hat.
I've got great friends. They're ready to help out at the drop of a hat.
У меня замечательные друзья. Они всегда незамедлительно готовы мне помочь.
Whenever you have a chance; with very little cause or urging.
At the drop of a hat, he would tell the story of the canal he wanted to build.
He was quarrelsome and ready to fight at the drop of a hat.
at the eleventh hour
At the last possible time.
Aunt Mathilda got married at the eleventh hour; after all, she was already 49 years old.
at the hands of someone
at the hands of something
дословно: В руках у кого-либо или чего-либо
Зависеть от кого-либо или чего-либо.
Зависеть от кого-либо или чего-либо.
We were at the hands of nature as we waited for the storm to end.
Мы были в руках у природы, пока ждали окончания грозы.