Situation Idioms

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wag the dog

Meaning: Divert attention from something important by focusing on something less significant but more sensational.

Example: The government created a scandal just to wag the dog before elections. Read more ➺


drastic times call for drastic measures

Meaning: extreme circumstances can only be resolved by equally extreme actions

Example: After the company had posted losses for the third consecutive year, the board decided to replace all of its top management. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures. Read more ➺


play it by ear

Meaning: improvise; act without preparation.

Example: Rather than adopting a new academic strategy, the principal decided to play it by ear. 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 ➺


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 ➺


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