Problem
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
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
Meaning: always try to see the good things even in bad situations
Example: Don't worry about your exam score; look on the bright side. It is a significant improvement from the previous exam. Read on
Meaning: time is persistent; as it passes eventually, everything goes back to its original state or place
Example: After my breakup with Judy, I couldn't understand why things had to end so tragically, but I now understand time puts everything in its place in my new relationship. Read on
Meaning: try to calm, soothe or placate a problematic situation
Example: She's such a calm person; last week, the whole office was in uproar until she stepped in and poured oil on troubled waters. Read on
Meaning: a difficult, controversial, or obvious problem that no one wants to talk about or mention because the subject is problematic, uncomfortable, or awkward
Example: When Geoff arrived at the meeting yesterday, he had a huge black eye. He gave us no explanation, and nobody dared ask him about it. So we sat there for the whole morning with this elephant in the room. Read on
Meaning: a problem that is difficult to solve
Example: She's such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her. Read on
Meaning: difficult or complex problem
Example: The accountant always found the end of the tax year to be a knotty problem. Read on
Meaning: easier to stop problems than correct them later
Example: It is good to keep vaccinations up to date as prevention is better than cure. Read on
Meaning: to avoid dealing with a problem
Example: I realise that the house needs to be painted but we are going to move in a few years so I am kicking the can down the road. Read on
