At Length

Meaning of Idiom ‘At Length’

At length means in full detail, for a long time. 1Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. 2Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth M. The Wordsworth Dictionary of Idioms. Ware: Wordsworth, 1995.

Notes On Use

The idiom is used in regards to speaking or writing about a subject.

Sentence Examples

“The CEO talked at length about the company’s ideology but managed to say nothing about its prospects.”

“We have discussed the proposal at length but we are no closer to making a decision.”

“Let me call you back — I’ll call you when we can talk at length.” — City Hall (1996)

“Do you feel up to answering a few questions?” “I’ve talked at length with my daughter, but she and my grandson need time.” — Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt (2012)

Origin

Used since the 1500s.

More Idioms Starting with A

• Add Fuel to the Fire
• Are You Writing a Book?
• Army Brat
• And How
• Any Which Way

More At Idioms

• Stop On A Dime
• Drop A Dime (on someone)
• A Dime a Dozen

More Length Idioms

• On the Same Wavelength, to be
• At Arm’s Length

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