at great pains

== English == === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === at pains (idiomatic, with infinitive) Making careful effort (to). The agency has been at pains to stress that its decisions are still based on sound science. He was at great pains to distance himself from the rumours. She was at some pains to remind the others to read the instructions. ==== Usage notes ==== Modulation is by using an adjective to modify "pains", commonly "great" to heighten (at great pains) or "some" to moderate (at some pains). ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== === Anagrams === Antipas, patinas, pinatas, piñatas, tai-pans, taipans