A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

at dusk • in the dusk
at dusk —at the time when the twilight is setting in: The
cathedral is closed to the public at dusk each day.
in the dusk —surrounded by the dusk; while it is dusk: One
cannot see very far in the dusk.
at first • first of all
at first—in the beginning ; originally: At first I disliked
spinach, but now I quite love it.
Note:
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase from the first— from the start: Although he found En-
glish difficult he liked it from the first.
first of all —before anything else: First of all, we need to de-
cide who to invite.
at full length • at great length
at full length —
1
. with the body stretched out and flat: He
never walked again, but was drawn about lying at full length
in a sort of bed-carriage. 2. describing smth. thoroughly and
in detail: The purism of modern times would not allow me to
give this story at full length.
at great length — = at full length 2: He went on at great
length about his favorite hobby.
Note: 
The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with
the phrase at length—
1
. = at great length: He dwelt at length
on the considerable opposition to the entry of Britain into the
Common Market. 2. after a long time or pause: At length he
spoke again, softly, as if he was debating with himself.
at full strength • in full strength
at full strength —
1
. working or performing at maximum ca-
– 21 –
at full strength

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pacity: Four refineries that were shut down are now operating
at full strength. 2. (of a group of people) with all its members
present: Although none of our teams were at full strength they
all put in spirited performances.
in full strength —(also: in full force) = at full strength 2: The
ladies were in full strength … each of them bringing a dish
prepared by themselves.