Problem Idioms

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add insult to injury

Meaning: to make a bad situation worse

Example: The company rejected his application for a job, and to add insult to injury, refused to pay his expenses. Read more ➺


in dire straits or need

Meaning: experience difficult financial conditions or circumstances

Example: The earthquake and the drought left the region in dire straits for a long time. Read more ➺


in deep water

Meaning: a very serious situation

Example: The political party is in deep water after it was discovered that their candidate had lied in the report. Read more ➺


come to a head

Meaning: to reach a point in a situation where action needs to be taken

Example: The negative political climate in America seems to have come to a head. Read more ➺


come to a pretty pass

Meaning: a bad situation

Example: Things have come to such a pretty pass that nowadays parents are afraid of advising their children. Read more ➺


can of worms

Meaning: to get into something that is messy, has problems and is unwanted

Example: The can of worms was wide open when he asked her about her past. Read more ➺


be in the same boat

Meaning: be in the same unpleasant situation as other people

Example: The speaker said that everyone should make an effort towards the protection of the environment, as everyone was in the same boat, and climate changes would have dire consequences for all. Read more ➺


cross the bridge

Meaning: To deal with a problem or situation when it actually happens, not before.

Example: We'll cross the bridge when we come to it instead of worrying about the issue weeks in advance. Read more ➺


bone of contention

Meaning: A subject or issue that causes disagreement between people.

Example: The proposed parking rules became a bone of contention between residents and the city council. Read more ➺


apple of discord

Meaning: A cause of argument or disagreement between people.

Example: The family inheritance became the apple of discord between the two brothers. Read more ➺


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