Problem Idioms

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trouble shared is trouble halved

Meaning: the intensity of the issue can be lowered down by discussion

Example: Don't hesitate to share your problems with me. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved. Read more ➺


troubled waters

Meaning: a difficult phase of life

Example: The situation was getting worse, but like all the other members of the company, he was fascinated by troubled waters. Read more ➺


out of the frying pan into the fire

Meaning: to go from a bad to worse situation

Example: In a bid to gain independence, she agreed to get married early, not knowing she was jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Read more ➺


a stitch in time saves nine

Meaning: do not wait to deal with a specific problem or you risk it getting much worse later on

Example: John said to his brother, " You better bring your car to the shop while it's still running, because a stitch in time saves nine". Read more ➺


the devil is in the detail

Meaning: It means that when you do not concentrate on the details of something you may run into unexpected problems

Example: "Have you seen my beautiful new bag? I paid a fortune for it." "Really? It is a fake. The stitching of the original bags is blue, not green." "How disappointing. I guess the devil is in the details." Read more ➺


pain in the neck

Meaning: Mathematics is generally a real pain in the neck for most of the school and college students.

Example: Mathematics is generally a real pain in the neck for most of the school and college students. Read more ➺


feel the pinch

Meaning: experience financial hardship

Example: Since Farrokh was made redundant, we've really felt the pinch. We can't even afford to buy the kids new shoes. Read more ➺


tip of the iceberg

Meaning: to only know a very small part of the problem

Example: The manager-employee problems in this company are just the tip of the iceberg. Read more ➺


when it rains, it pours

Meaning: to have a good or bad news enlarged by circumstances

Example: The restaurant owners had the best of everything at one point. But you know what they say, when it rains, it pours. Today they are left with absolutely nothing. Read more ➺


the course of true love never did run smooth

Meaning: people in love often have to overcome difficulties in order to be with each other

Example: Judy and I are in a long distance relationship and it is not easy staying away from each other. The course of true love never did run smooth. Read more ➺


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