Trouble Idioms

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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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 ➺


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