at it

phrasal

: busily engaged in some particular activity (as work, play, or fighting)

he was up and at it before breakfast

the neighbors are at it again

* * *

at it

1. Occupied in a particular way, doing a particular thing

2. Up to some criminal activity (informal)

3. Having sexual intercourse (informal)

• • •

Main Entry: ↑at

* * *

I

engaged in some activity, typically a reprehensible one

the guy who faked the Hitler diaries is at it again

II

see at I

* * *

at it

: doing some activity

I didn't expect her to have started working yet, but she was already (hard) at it when I arrived. [=she was already working (hard) when I arrived]

My neighbors are always arguing, and they were at it again last night. [=they were arguing again last night]

Since we're cleaning the kitchen, we should wash the floor while we're at it. [=we should wash the floor when we clean the kitchen]

“I'm going to the store to buy a newspaper.” “While you're at it, could you get some milk?”

• • •

Main Entry: ↑at