Definition of Be at pains

1. Verb. Try very hard to do something.

Exact synonyms: Take Pains
Generic synonyms: Endeavor, Endeavour, Strive

Lexicographical Neighbors of Be At Pains

bdelygmia
be-
be-all
be-all and end-all
be a man
be able to
be active
be adrift
be after
be all and end all
be all ears
be along
be amiss
be around
be as silent as the grave
be at pains (current term)
be born
be born yesterday
be bothered
be called
be careful what you wish for
be cruel to be kind
be due
be full
be given
be glad to see the back of
be good for
be had
be in a spot of bother
be in for

Literary usage of Be at pains

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Moments of Vision and Miscellaneous Verses by Thomas Hardy (1917)
"... Song) WHY be at pains that I should know You sought not me ? Do breezes, then, make features glow So rosily ? Come, the lit port is at our back, ..."

2. Publications of the Scottish History Society by Scottish History Society (1904)
"If you won't be at pains about it, we shall be at the trouble and expense of ... be at pains about them and let the holes for them which I beg you '1 make ..."

3. Letters of John Cockburn of Ormistoun to His Gardener, 1727-1744 by John Cockburn (1904)
"If you won't be at pains about it, we shall be at the trouble and expense of ... be at pains about them and let the holes for them which I beg you '1 make ..."

4. The Whole Works of the Late Reverend and Learned Mr. Thomas Boston, Minister by Thomas Boston (1851)
"Lastly, How will ye answer it, that ye are at BO great pains for the cisterns, and will not be at pains to go to the fountain ? Men refuse not to labour, ..."

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