at pains at pains {adj. phr.} Making a special effort. At pains to make a good impression, she was prompt for her appointment. Categories: add yours add yours {adj. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: A Subscribe to: American Idioms► Also consider the parent subscriptions (3)Idioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry Comment on this entry