Problem Idioms

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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 ➺


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 ➺


look on the bright side

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 more ➺


time puts everything in its place

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 more ➺


pour oil on troubled waters

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 more ➺


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