arm's length (keep some distance from)
His co-workers kept an arm's length from him because he had a criminal record.
arraign (brought to the court to answer questions)
Michael Jackson was arraigned in a criminal case when he was indicted on a child molesting charge, by a youth who visited his home and slept in his bed with him.
arrears (unpaid overdue debt)
The telephone company had to hire more people in the collection department, because many of their customers were in arrears with their bills.
articulate (good at speaking)
Former President Clinton is an articulate speaker with great gift for detail knowledge of numerous subjects.
ascertain (find out)
The doctor suggests that a M.R.I scan is needed to ascertain the nature of the tumor in her brain.
ascribe (to assign as a quality or characteristic)
Stealing from the rich to help the poor is a philosophy ascribed to Robinhood.
asinine (stupid)
Nixon's taping of the conversation in the White House, which became the evidence against himself during the Watergate trials, was really an asinine move on his part. he was so concerned about history and immortality that he forgot he was going to trap himself.
