be at (something)
1. To be located in a particular place. Where are you at? I just looked inside the restaurant, but I didn't see you. I'm at the main entrance—where are you? The lab is at the far end of campus. You're better off taking the shuttle there.
2. To occur at a specific time. According to the tickets, the concert is at 8:00, but I'm sure the headliner won't go on that early. The graduation ceremony is at 3:00. Come on, the movie starts at 7:00! If we don't leave now, we're gonna be late!
3. To be working on something determinedly or persistently. I've been at this problem for hours and still haven't found a solution. We've been at this research for months with no progress. I'm starting to worry that the board is going to pull our funding. I'm sorry the engine still isn't working, I know you've been at this for a while now.
be at it
1. To partake in an action, activity, or pursuit vigorously, exhaustively, or determinedly. I studied really hard for this test. I was at it all night. I wish those dogs would quit barking—they've been at it since the sun came up! I can't believe those two are at it again. What are they fighting about this time?
2. slang To be engaged in sex. I can always hear when the neighbors are at it. It's really embarrassing! No, we can't fool around here—I don't want my parents to walk in on us while we're at it! I highly doubt that everyone in the dorm rooms around you is at it while you're studying.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.