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3. at pains to

at pains to

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at pains to

Striving. Used to describe someone who is putting forth effort towards some goal or end. Annabelle is at pains to make sure her relatives are comfortable when they come to visit. So far, she's cleaned the whole house and set up all the guest rooms.

See also: pain

at pains to do something

(slightly formal)

making an effort to do something The management was at pains to stress that there are no plans for closing the factory. He was at pains to show he does not favor the change.

See also: pain