Problem Idioms

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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 theĀ 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 ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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