convenience

at (one's) convenience

When one has the time to do something. No rush, you can fill out that paperwork at your convenience.

See also: convenience

at (one's) earliest convenience

As soon as one is able to do something. Please fill out that paperwork at your earliest convenience. Dan needs to call me at his earliest convenience.

See also: convenience, early

marriage of convenience

A legal marriage that happens primarily or solely for practical purposes, rather than love. Any couple suspected of entering into a marriage of convenience to bypass the need for work permits may be investigated and have their marriage license revoked at any time. Back when homosexuality was illegal, many gay men and women entered into marriages of convenience to protect them from public scrutiny.

See also: convenience, marriage, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

at someone's earliest convenience

as soon as it is possible for someone to do something. (This is also a polite way of saying immediately.) Please stop by my office at your earliest convenience. Bill, please have the oil changed at your earliest convenience.

See also: convenience, early

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

at one's convenience

Also, at one's earliest convenience. Whenever one wishes; also, as soon as one can. For example, Pick up the car any time, at your convenience, or We need that drawing very soon, so please finish it at your earliest convenience. The use of convenience in the sense of "ease" or "absence of trouble" dates from about 1700.

See also: convenience

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

marriage of convenience

a marriage concluded to achieve a practical purpose.

This expression was used by Joseph Addison in the early 18th century, translating the French mariage de convenance , which has itself been current in English since the mid 19th century.

1949 George Bernard Shaw Buoyant Billions The proportion of happy love marriages to happy marriages of convenience has never been counted.

See also: convenience, marriage, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

at somebody’s conˈvenience

(formal) at a time or a place which is suitable for somebody: Can you telephone me at your convenience to arrange a meeting?

See also: convenience

at your earliest conˈvenience

(written) as soon as possible: Please telephone at your earliest convenience.

See also: convenience, early

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017