at it

Idioms  

1. Vigorously pursuing an activity, especially a fight, but also sex or some other activity. For example, Whenever they play bridge they really go at it (fight), or The new job keeps Tom at it day and night (works hard), or In the spring the dogs are always at it (sex). Shakespeare used this seemingly modern idiom for “fighting” in Troilus and Cressida (5:3): “They are at it, hark!” [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

“The good way to look at that, or the optimistic way to look at it is that it’s early, right? This is the beginning of something new.”

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Goldblum, whose career spans six decades, said he started playing piano as a young boy and "fell in love with it", keeping at it while acting.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

While you’re at it, check your assumptions about Citizens Financial Group.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Look at it this way: If you don’t pay your storage fees, who does pay them?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

He’d be at it most of the summer.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• active
• unavailable
• working