Problem

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 on

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 on

come to grief

Meaning: to have an accident or suffer disaster.

Example: Their relationship came to grief following their disastrous vacation. Read on

rock the boat

Meaning: to make trouble.

Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read on

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 on

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 on

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 on

a tall order

Meaning: a challenging task or difficult requirement

Example: Telling a player to score six goals in one game is a tall order. Read on

back to the wall

Meaning: to be in a difficult situation

Example: They have him with his back to the wall and now he has no more options but to pay back the debtors or go to jail for fraud. Read on

sweep under the rug

Meaning: try to hide a problem or keep a problem secret instead of dealing with it

Example: My father has helped me deal with things instead of sweeping them under the rug. Read on

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