Circumstances
Meaning: something is arranged in a haphazard fashion
Example: "Have you tried the new bar on the corner? We've been three times and it's a bit hit and miss." Read on
Meaning: under all conditions, no matter how challenging or difficult
Example: My best friend has supported me through thick and thin. Read on
Meaning: a difficult phase of life
Example: The situation was getting worse, but like all the other members of the company, he was fascinated by troubled waters. Read on
Meaning: to go from a bad to worse situation
Example: In a bid to gain independence, she agreed to get married early, not knowing she was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Read on
Meaning: to do what other people are doing in any particular situation
Example: Kevin didn't want to be part of the protest, but all his friends wanted to stand for something, so he chose to go with the flow. Read on
Meaning: to divert attention from something that is bad
Example: The prime minister keeps wagging the dog to keep people from actually finding out about the scam and its details. Read on
Meaning: extreme circumstances can only be resolved by equally extreme actions
Example: After the company had posted losses for the third consecutive year, the board decided to replace all of its top management. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures. Read on
Meaning: improvise
Example: Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear. Read on
Meaning: experience difficult financial conditions or circumstances
Example: The earthquake and the drought left the region in dire straits for a long time. Read on
Meaning: to reach a point in a situation where action needs to be taken
Example: The negative political climate in America seems to have come to a head. Read on
