Circumstances
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Meaning: under all conditions, no matter how challenging or difficult
Example: My best friend has supported me through thick and thin. Read more ➺
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 more ➺
out of the frying pan into the fire
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
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 more ➺
drastic times call for drastic measures
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 more ➺
Meaning: improvise; act without preparation.
Example: Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear. Read more ➺
Meaning: experience difficult financial conditions or circumstances
Example: The earthquake and the drought left the region in dire straits for a long time. Read more ➺
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 more ➺
