Trouble

up a creek without a paddle

Meaning: being in trouble.

Example: With no savings, being fired will leave me up the creek without a paddle. Read on

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 on

on the line

Meaning: to be at serious risk.

Example: Put your toes on the line and form up! Read on

rock the boat

Meaning: to make trouble.

Example: If you don't want any trouble with your boss, then stop rocking the boat. Read on

bury head in the sand

Meaning: hide from the truth

Example: Finals begin in a week and if I continue to bury my head in the sand, I'll be taking this class again next semester. Read on

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 on

too close for comfort

Meaning: to be very close to something dangerous or unwelcoming

Example: She was standing on the edge of a cliff in the photo, too close for comfort. Read on

in hot water

Meaning: in trouble or state of shame

Example: The opposition leader landed himself in a whole load of hot water after making several vulgar comments. Read on

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 on

when life gives you lemons

Meaning: make the best out of a difficult situation

Example: She tried to live by the motto 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Read on

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