times: His songs are heard everywhere in the country and at all hours . Cf.: until all hours —(also: until all hours of the night) until very late at night: I lived the crazy life of a student— studying until all hours , living in front of my computer, all that. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase at all times—on all occasions; always: The accessibility of Italy upon this side was at all times a matter of anxiety to her rulers. at any hour—at any time; whenever one chooses: The knowledge that he might at any hour be called upon stimu- lated his studies of his duties. See also: at any one time / at any time. at an end • at the end at an end—1. said of smth. used up or exhausted: I must warn you that my patience is almost at an end . 2. be finished; be over: When a checkmate is obtained, the game is at an end . at the end—1. in the last part of smth.: I think the film’s a bit weak at the end . 2. in the farthest part of smth.: The tube is very short and closed at the end . Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase in the end—1. finally; ultimately: Three months were spent in the drafting of a document which in the end was rejected. 2. taking one thing with another; as things turn out: In the end , boys and girls don’t communicate the same way. at any cost • at any price at any cost—regardless of how much effort or sacrifice is needed: In plain English, it is murder, and it must be stopped at any cost . at any price —1. = at any cost: Peace at any price will not be a long peace. There will be more price to pay, over and over again. 2. (negat.) is used to state that under no circumstances will one accept or do smth.: I’m going to leave you. I can’t stand my father-in-law at any price . at any one time • at any time at any one time—on each separate occasion: These were what were known as “bottle shops,” and could not sell less than a bottle of spirits at any one time . at any time —1. at any given moment: The navigational sys- tem enabled our bombers to know exactly where they were at any time en route to Germany. 2. at a time which may be very soon: We may need the trucks at any time . I’ll phone if I want you to roll them. 3. at any time one chooses: Anyone is wel- come to join in at any time during the day. 4. no matter when; whenever: If at any time you have questions, please feel free to call. See also: at all hours / at any hour. at arm’s length • close at hand at arm’s length—1. as far away from one as one can reach with the arm: The curtains fell together as the girl and the man stood at arm’s length from one another. 2. away from close contact or familiarity: Deep inside she does have a bit of affection for him, but their rivalry has her keeping him at arm’s length . close at hand—1. near enough; in close proximity: The monks were always mindful to establish themselves where there was water close at hand . 2. on close inspection: He was found, close at hand , to be no mean acrid man; but at heart a healthful, strong, sagacious man. 3. (of an event, etc.) coming on shortly: This was the moment at which the fortunes of Montague reached the meridian. The decline was close at hand . at best • at one’s best at best—(introductory or parenthetical) even under the most favorable conditions: He can only tie the score, at best . at one’s best—(predic.) said of smb. in the best state or con- dition: Although he was not at his best , he won the match. at call • within call at call—(also: on call) 1. (of a doctor, etc.) available if re- quired: She served as president, then … twenty years as treas- urer, always at call , and handling the money carefully. 2. (of money, etc.) available on demand: As a first step, I secured my vast property, so that the income would be certain, and always at call . within call —near enough to be summoned by calling: Ross was still away on duty, and there was nobody except the native servants within call . at command • in command • on command at command—said of smth. at one’s disposal (and ready to be used): A constant supply of hot water is at command over the whole house. in command—1. having the authority to command: Like all those who are seldom in command , the master was propor- tionally tyrannical and abusive. 2. having control over a situ- ation: He was looking more relaxed and in command than ever before. on command—at the order given: On command the mother ship would have oriented itself and determined when to launch its subsatellites. at danger • in danger at danger —(of a signal on a railway line, etc.): in the position giving a warning of danger: A signal is said to be “on,” when it is at danger . in danger—at risk: The euphoria which accompanies alti- tude sickness robs the pilot of the opportunity of recognizing that he is in danger . Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on the danger list—(of a patient in the hospital) dan- gerously ill: Five patients on the danger list were slightly better, the hospital said. at dusk • in the dusk at dusk—at the time when the twilight is setting in: The cathedral is closed to the public at dusk each day. in the dusk —surrounded by the dusk; while it is dusk: One cannot see very far in the dusk . at first • first of all at first—in the beginning; originally: At first I disliked spinach, but now I quite love it. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase from the first—from the start: Although he found En- glish difficult he liked it from the first . first of all —before anything else: First of all , we need to de- cide who to invite. at full length • at great length at full length —1. with the body stretched out and flat: He never walked again, but was drawn about lying at full length in a sort of bed-carriage. 2. describing smth. thoroughly and in detail: The purism of modern times would not allow me to give this story at full length . at great length— = at full length 2: He went on at great length about his favorite hobby. Note: The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with the phrase at length—1. = at great length: He dwelt at length on the considerable opposition to the entry of Britain into the Common Market. 2. after a long time or pause: At length he spoke again, softly, as if he was debating with himself. at full strength • in full strength at full strength—1. working or performing at maximum ca- – 21 – at full strength