in earnest

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in earnest

with full effort and attention. Peace talks began in earnest after four days of bloody fighting in September.

Usage notes: usually used to emphasize a change from a period of less effort or attention: The presidential campaign began in earnest on Labor Day.

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? References in classic literature
The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying to each other, "It is time for us to be off to Liliput: for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do. Fables by Aesop View in context Betts Shoreham is very agreeable, every way a suitable connection for any of us, and that is the reason people are so ready to fancy him in earnest. Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief by Cooper, James Fenimore View in context Eugene,' said he, 'if I could find you in earnest for a minute, I would try to say an earnest word to you. Our Mutual Friend by Dickens, Charles View in context More results

References in classic literature

The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying to each other, "It is time for us to be off to Liliput: for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do.

Fables by Aesop View in context

Betts Shoreham is very agreeable, every way a suitable connection for any of us, and that is the reason people are so ready to fancy him in earnest.

Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief by Cooper, James Fenimore View in context

Eugene,' said he, 'if I could find you in earnest for a minute, I would try to say an earnest word to you.

Our Mutual Friend by Dickens, Charles View in context

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in depth
in detail
in dire straits
in dispute
in dribs and drabs
in due course
in due time

in earnest
in eclipse
in element
in evidence
in eyes
in face
in fact
in favor of

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