ABLE TO Meaning and
Definition
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The term "able to" refers to the capability or proficiency of a person or an entity to perform a certain action or task. It denotes the skill, capacity, or aptitude to accomplish something effectively or successfully.
This phrase conveys the idea of having the necessary physical, mental, or emotional attributes to achieve a specific goal or to complete a given activity. It emphasizes the presence of the essential qualities, resources, or conditions that enable an individual or an object to fulfill a particular function or duty.
When someone is described as "able to," it suggests that they possess the knowledge, competence, or expertise required to undertake a specific assignment or engage in a particular endeavor. It implies that they possess the necessary abilities, talents, or skills to complete the task proficiently or excel in a particular area.
Furthermore, being "able to" emphasizes the potential or capacity of a person to overcome obstacles, handle challenges, or adapt to changing circumstances. It highlights an individual's capacity to manage and cope with various situations, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in accomplishing desired outcomes.
Ultimately, "able to" refers to the capability and readiness of an individual or entity to successfully execute an action or perform a task by utilizing their inherent abilities, traits, or acquired skills.
Common Misspellings for ABLE TO
Etymology of ABLE TO
The word "able" is derived from the Old Northern French word "able" or "habile", which came from the Latin word "habilis". "Habilis" means "worth", "skillful", or "able". Over time, the meaning of "able" has evolved and is now commonly used to indicate having the necessary power, skills, or capabilities to perform a specific action. The addition of the preposition "to" helps form the phrase "able to", indicating the ability or possibility of doing something.
Idioms with the word ABLE TO
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not able to stomach
The idiom "not able to stomach" means that someone cannot tolerate or accept something, often due to feeling disgusted, upset, or offended by it.
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not able to make anything out
"Not able to make anything out" means being unable to understand or figure out something. It can refer to a situation where someone is unable to discern or interpret information, details, or patterns from a given context or situation.
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able to do sth
The idiom "able to do something" means having the necessary skills, knowledge, or capability to do a particular task or activity. It implies that someone has the ability, capacity, or resources to accomplish something successfully.
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able to cut sth
having the ability or skill to effectively manage or handle a difficult situation or problem
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not able to get sth for love or money
The idiom "not able to get something for love or money" means that something is extremely difficult or impossible to obtain, no matter how much effort is put into trying to acquire it or how much money is offered.
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able to cut something
The idiom "able to cut something" typically means having the ability or skill to handle or deal with a difficult situation or problem effectively. It can also refer to a person's capability to make tough decisions or take decisive action when necessary.
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able to do it
The idiom "able to do it" means having the capability, skill, or resources to accomplish a particular task or goal. It suggests that the person is competent and well-equipped to handle the situation at hand.
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able to breathe (easily) again
Feeling relieved or at ease after a period of stress, worry, or difficulty.
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not able to make anything out (of sm or sth)
The idiom "not able to make anything out (of sm or sth)" means to not be able to understand or interpret something because it is unclear or confusing.
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not (be able to) take your eyes off somebody/something
To be so captivated or fascinated by someone or something that you cannot stop looking at them/it.
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not be able to tell one end (of something) from the other
The idiom "not be able to tell one end (of something) from the other" means to be completely unfamiliar or inept with a certain object or concept, to the point where one cannot distinguish one part of it from another.
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be able to (do something) in (one's) sleep
To be able to do something very easily and without much effort or concentration, as if one could do it without even being fully awake.
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able to take a joke
The phrase "able to take a joke" refers to a person who is able to handle humor directed towards them without becoming angry or offended. This person has a good sense of humor and is secure enough in themselves to not take jokes or teasing personally.
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be able to do something in your sleep
To be able to do something without much effort, difficulty or concentration because you are so familiar with it.
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not able to make head or tail of
The idiom "not able to make head or tail of" means to be confused or unable to understand something. It is often used when describing a situation or piece of information that is unclear or difficult to make sense of.
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not be able to do something to save your life
This idiom means that someone is completely unable to do something, even if their life depended on it. It emphasizes the extreme difficulty or lack of ability to perform a particular task or action.
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not able to help
The idiom "not able to help" means not having the ability or capacity to provide assistance or support in a particular situation. It indicates a lack of power, resources, or expertise to be of any assistance.
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not able to help sth
The idiom "not able to help sth" means to be unable to provide assistance or support for a particular situation or issue. It indicates a lack of ability to affect or improve the outcome of something.
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able to make (something)
The idiom "able to make (something)" means having the capacity or capability to create or produce something. It indicates an individual's skill or ability to bring something into existence.
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able to breathe again
To feel relieved or relaxed after a stressful or difficult situation has passed.
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not able to call one's time one's own
The idiom "not able to call one's time one's own" means that someone is constantly busy or occupied with other people's demands or obligations, leaving little to no time for their own personal activities or relaxation.
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not able to get for love or money
The idiom "not able to get for love or money" means that something is unavailable or impossible to obtain, regardless of how much effort, pleading, or money is offered.
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be able to count somebody/something on one hand
To have only a small number of people or things, typically five or less, available or present.
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not able to make head or tail of sth
The phrase "not able to make head or tail of something" means to be unable to understand or make sense of something. It typically refers to a confusing or complex situation that is difficult to comprehend or make sense of.
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not able to see the forest for the trees
The idiom "not able to see the forest for the trees" refers to someone being so focused on small details or individual components that they are unable to see the overall big picture or main point. It signifies a lack of perspective or understanding of the larger situation due to an excessive focus on minor details.
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able to get a word in edgewise
The idiom "able to get a word in edgewise" is used to describe a situation where someone is finally able to speak or participate in a conversation that others have been dominating or talking over.
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able to cut it
The idiom "able to cut it" means capable of meeting the necessary standards or requirements for a particular task or situation. It implies that someone or something has the necessary skills, abilities, or qualities to succeed in a given situation.
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not able to wait
The idiom "not able to wait" means feeling impatient or eager for something to happen or to be done immediately, without any delay.
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able to do sth with one's eyes closed
The idiom "able to do something with one's eyes closed" means that someone is able to accomplish a task or perform a skill effortlessly, without needing to put in much effort or concentration. It implies that the person is very skilled or experienced at the particular task and can do it instinctively or automatically.
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able to (do something) with (one's) eyes closed
The idiom "able to (do something) with (one's) eyes closed" means to be extremely skilled or proficient at doing something to the point that it can be done without needing to focus or pay much attention. It implies that the task has become so easy or automatic that it can be done effortlessly.
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be able to count somebody/something on (the fingers of) one hand
If you can count somebody or something on the fingers of one hand, it means that there are very few of them or that they are very rare.
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able to do (something) standing on (one's) head
This idiom means that someone can easily accomplish a task or achieve something without any difficulty. It suggests that the task is so simple or easy for the person that they could do it with minimal effort, as if they were standing on their head.
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able to take only so much
The idiom "able to take only so much" means that a person or situation has reached their limit or capacity for dealing with something stressful, frustrating, or difficult, and can no longer tolerate it. It indicates that a person's patience, resilience, or ability to cope with a situation is nearly exhausted.
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able to cut
The idiom "able to cut" typically refers to a person's ability to make tough decisions or take decisive actions, often in a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests that the person has the capability or skill to handle difficult tasks or situations effectively.
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able to do sth blindfolded
The idiom "able to do something blindfolded" means being able to perform a task or activity with ease and competence, as if one could do it without needing to see and while being blindfolded.
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be able to count (someone or something) on one hand
To say that you can count someone or something on one hand means that there are very few of them, often implying that they are rare or scarce.
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able to do blindfolded
The idiom "able to do blindfolded" means that someone is able to perform a task with such ease and skill that they could do it without using their sight. It implies a high level of competence and proficiency in a particular activity.
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able to fog a mirror
The idiom "able to fog a mirror" is a sarcastic or humorous way of saying that someone or something is alive or present, often implying that they have very low energy or vitality. It is essentially a joke about the bare minimum requirement for determining if someone is still alive – if they can breathe enough to fog up a mirror placed in front of them.
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not able to go on
The idiom "not able to go on" is used to describe a situation in which a person, organization, or entity is unable to continue or proceed with a task, activity, or journey. It indicates that the individual or group has reached a point where they are unable to continue due to physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion, obstacles, or constraints.
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not be able to do something for toffee
The idiom "not be able to do something for toffee" means to be completely unable to do something, often due to a lack of skill, ability, or competence. It can also imply a general ineptitude or inability to accomplish a task successfully. The phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to emphasize someone's lack of proficiency in a particular area.
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able to take just so much
The idiom "able to take just so much" means to be able to endure or tolerate a certain amount of stress, pressure, or hardship before reaching a breaking point or limit. It suggests that a person has a limited capacity to handle challenges and may become overwhelmed if pushed beyond that limit.
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able to make an event
The idiom "able to make an event" means having the ability or opportunity to attend or participate in a particular event or occasion.
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be able to count (someone or something) on the fingers of one hand
The idiom "be able to count (someone or something) on the fingers of one hand" means that there are very few of that person or thing, so you can easily count them on one hand (usually five fingers). It indicates rarity or scarcity.
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not able to call time own
The idiom "not able to call time own" means not being in control of one's own schedule or unable to determine how one's time is spent. It implies a lack of autonomy or freedom to make decisions about one's own time.
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not able to stomach sm or sth
The idiom "not able to stomach sm or sth" means that someone is unable to tolerate or accept something, either physically or emotionally. It implies that the person finds something unpleasant or difficult to handle.
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able to do with eyes closed
The idiom "able to do with eyes closed" means to be able to do something very easily or effortlessly, without needing to put in much thought or effort.
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able to do
"Able to do" means having the capability, skill, or resources to accomplish a certain task or achieve a particular goal. It refers to having the ability or capacity to perform a certain action effectively.
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able to (do something) blindfolded
The idiom "able to (do something) blindfolded" means being extremely proficient or skilled at a particular task or activity, to the point where it can be done with ease and without needing to see or pay attention.
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not know/not be able to tell one end of something from the other
The idiom "not know/not be able to tell one end of something from the other" means to be completely ignorant or clueless about a particular subject or topic. It implies a total lack of understanding or knowledge, to the point where the person cannot even distinguish between basic elements or aspects of the subject.
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