pains

  • 131at pains — {adj. phr.} Making a special effort. * /At pains to make a good impression, she was prompt for her appointment./ …

    Dictionary of American idioms

  • 132be at pains — {v. phr.} To be extremely desirous to do something; to take the trouble to do something. * /The captain was at pains to see that everybody got safely into the lifeboats./ …

    Dictionary of American idioms