grit one’s teeth
Meaning: to act bravely and courageously in a challenging situation.
Example: Tom gritted his teeth, overcame his fear of heights, and climbed the ladder. Read more ➺
Problem
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fly in the ointment
Meaning: something that spoils a pleasant or enjoyable experience.
Example: The fly in the ointment was that the proposal still needed board approval. Read more ➺
catch a cold
Meaning: experience challenges and difficulties.
Example: Brian tried the offshore education business, but he caught a cold after the first month and has still shown no signs of growth. Read more ➺
red flag
Meaning: a sign of a particular issue requiring attention.
Example: United, American, and Delta airlines suspended all flights to China. This was a red flag as the coronavirus wreaked havoc on the airline industry. Read more ➺
the rose that grew from concrete
Meaning: a person who achieved greatness even though they came from a place not so great.
Example: Ken performed well despite his poor background, much like the rose that grew from concrete. Read more ➺
come to grief
Meaning: to have an accident or suffer disaster.
Example: Their relationship came to grief following their disastrous vacation. Read more ➺
rock the boat
Meaning: to make trouble.
Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read more ➺
hit the panic button
Meaning: prepare for disaster
Example: Dad's fishing pole dove into the lake without warning, and he hit the panic button before jumping up with the reel-spinning like crazy in his hand. Read more ➺
fiddle while Rome burns
Meaning: to perform an inconsequential task or act irresponsibly in the midst of a disastrous event.
Example: Vacuuming the carpet while her co-worker was in with the boss, trying to steal her job, felt like fiddling while Rome burned. Read more ➺
yoke around one’s neck
Meaning: a fatiguing burden.
Example: I refused to be the yoke around his neck, and so I turned down his generous offer of employment in a job for which I was unqualified. Read more ➺
