Trouble Idioms

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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 ➺


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 more ➺


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 ➺


knight in shining armour

Meaning: used to describe someone who saves you from a difficult situation

Example: Thank you so much for fixing my flat tire. You are a knight in shining armour. Read more ➺


back against the wall

Meaning: to be in a tough situation with limited options

Example: The company has its back against the wall and if the employees do not help out now, it will be bankrupt soon. Read more ➺


batten down the hatches

Meaning: to get ready for trouble

Example: The army is wise to batten down the hatches near the border when our neighbouring country seems to be so hostile. 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 ➺


a blessing in disguise

Meaning: the misfortune which turns out to have advantages

Example: Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him as it forced him to plunge into business. Read more ➺


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