trouble1 nountrouble2 verb
troubletroub‧le1 /ˈtrʌbəl/ ●●● S1 W2 noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I think we've found out what the trouble is.
- If you have engine trouble, park as far to the side of the road as possible.
- If you used the same tape later and had no trouble with the picture, the problem is probably in the VCR.
- If you used the same tape later and had no sound trouble, the problem is in the video recorder, not the tape.
- Norris had trouble finding work and is still unemployed.
- Snow and freezing temperatures caused trouble at many airports.
- The trouble was caused by a loose connection in the fuse box.
- The trouble with lasagne is that it takes so long to make.
- The troubles are far from over.
- The pilot reported trouble with both engines.
- The U.S. is responsible for its own troubles.
- We've been having some trouble with the air-conditioning.
- We have had a lot of trouble with the car this year.
- When they walked by, I knew there was going to be trouble.
- Anyway, the three friends strut around their complex baiting police, doing Robert De Niro impressions and generally causing trouble.
- Much has also been made of the effect the troubles are having on tourism, farming, and the exchange rate.
- My life fell apart, but he had no trouble picking up the pieces and forged ahead with a new woman.
- Perhaps, I thought, she sensed the trouble she was in.
- That was just the start of the trouble.
- The mortgage payments were no small trouble, what with his sister gone; he needed to improve his profits, dramatically.
- Towson led 14-12 at the half, but signs of trouble were evident.
THESAURUS
a problem that stops you from making progress: · The space program suffered a major setback when the space shuttle, Discovery, exploded.
informal a problem, especially one that you had not expected: · There’s a snag – I don’t have his number.
a small problem that delays or prevents something: · There have been a few last-minute hitches.
when something does not work in the way it should: · The plane developed engine trouble.
spoken a situation that is annoying because it causes problems: · Just trying to store all this stuff is a hassle.
something wrong with your health which makes you feel ill: · Her husband was in hospital for six months with a serious illness.
a particular illness, especially one that spreads to other people easily or that affects one part of your body: · childhood diseases such as measles and chickenpox· heart disease
an illness that is caused by bacteria or a virus: · His cough got worse and worse and became a chest infection.
a health problem that affects you permanently or for a long time: · a medical condition such as asthma· a heart condition
[usually after a noun] something that is wrong with a particular part of your body or your health in general: · a serious back problem· health problems
[singular, only after a noun] illness or pain that affects a particular part of your body: · I’ve had a bit of stomach trouble.
formal an illness that prevents a particular organ of your body from working properly, or affects the way you behave: · a liver disorder· a blood disorder· Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder.
Longman Language Activatorto behave badly to be rude, unhelpful, or unpleasant and not do what you are told to do: · I knew I'd behaved very badly, and I was sorry.· The kids behaved so badly that I was embarrassed.
someone who is badly behaved behaves badly - use this especially about children: · The hotel was full of badly behaved celebrities.
if children misbehave , they deliberately behave badly by being noisy, rude etc: · Kids often misbehave when they are bored or tired.· We never dared to misbehave in Miss Dill's classes.
if someone gets into trouble , they do something that is illegal or against the rules, especially something not very serious, and get caught doing it: · Tony is always getting into trouble at school.· Don't copy my work or we'll both get into trouble.get into trouble with: · He first got into trouble with the police at the age of 15.
if someone is up to no good , they are secretly doing something that they should not do - use this especially when you think someone may be doing something bad, but you are not completely sure: · She knew that her brother was up to no good but she didn't tell anyone.
also play up British informal to behave badly by being very active and noisy - use this especially about children: · During his parents' divorce, Robert began acting up in class.· The kids have been playing up all afternoon. They're driving me mad.
also muck about British informal to behave in a silly way when you should be working or paying attention: · Stop messing around and pay attention!· They just mucked about all afternoon and went home early.mess around with: · Paul blew off his fingers messing around with homemade rockets.
British informal to behave badly in order to find out how bad you can be before someone gets angry with you or punishes you: · For your first few days' teaching, the kids will probably try it on just to see how you react.· At home she's allowed to tell everyone what to do, but she wouldn't dare try it on at work.
to behave badly by breaking rules or disobeying orders, especially in a situation where everyone is expected to be very obedient: · The prisoners were warned that if they stepped out of line they would be severely punished.· The boss is very tough on anyone who steps out of line.
to behave well especially spoken to do what people tell you and not cause any trouble - use this especially about children: · If you two don't behave, I'm taking you straight home.behave yourself (=behave well): · Make sure you behave yourselves when we visit Grandma.
someone who is well-behaved does not cause any trouble and does what other people tell them to do - use this especially about children, pets, or large groups of people: · Can I bring my dog? She's very well-behaved.· a well-behaved child· The crowd was noisy but well-behaved.
if a child is good , he or she does not cause trouble and does what he or she is told to do: · I was always very good at school.· He's a good little boy.be good! (=used to tell a child to behave well): · Bye now, Jessie. Be good.
British /behavior American to make a special effort to behave well by doing and saying the right things and being very polite, because you know other people are watching you: · Dinner was very formal, with everyone on their best behaviour.
to try not to behave badly, especially because you do not want to be noticed or caught: · Have a good time, boys, but try to stay out of trouble.· If I stay out of trouble till June, my parents will take me to Florida.
informal to behave well, especially by not doing anything wrong or illegal: · It's not a great job, but if you keep your nose clean, you should be promoted by the end of the year.· He's been sentenced to seven years in prison, but he'll be out in four if he keeps his nose clean.
: an orderly crowd/demonstration/march etc well-behaved and not violent or out of control: · Police said it was an orderly demonstration and there were no arrests.· The crowd were orderly and in good spirits.
to do something that is a crime: commit a crime/offence/murder etc do something that is a crime, especially a serious or violent crime: · Brady committed a series of brutal murders.· Women commit far fewer crimes than men.· It now seems likely that Mason was sent to prison for an offence he never committed.
to do something that is illegal: · I didn't realize that I was breaking the law.· Hamer acknowledges that what he did was wrong, but denies breaking the law.· Should journalists ever break the law in order to get a story?
to get into a situation in which you are blamed or punished for doing something illegal: · Logue got into trouble for drug violations.get into trouble with: · When he was a teenager, Wayne got into a lot of trouble with the police.
to begin a way of life that involves crime: · He claims that when he could not find work, he was forced to turn to crime.· Kramer said that he turned to crime in a bid to pay off his debts.
if someone has a criminal record, they have been found guilty of a crime in the past, and this information is officially recorded by the police or the courts: · A background check confirmed that he had a criminal record.· Loman has a lengthy criminal record.
to be in a dangerous situation · Mr and Mrs Watkins are worried that their daughter may be in danger.be in danger of something (=be in a situation when it is possible you may be killed or injured by something dangerous) · Some of the children were in danger of starvation.somebody's life is in danger · Even a small accident in these mountains can mean that your life is in danger.be in grave/serious danger (=be in a very dangerous situation) · The ship was in grave danger of being sunk by enemy aircraft.
if someone is at risk , they are in a dangerous situation, especially because they are weak and are more likely to be harmed than other people: · Accidents in the home are extremely common, and elderly people are most at risk.be at risk from: · The vaccine is available for those who are most at risk from the flu epidemic.be at risk of (doing) something: · The hospital refused to move her, implying she was still at risk of committing suicide.
to be in a dangerous and difficult situation, especially because of an unexpected problem: · Scott said nothing, but I knew from his face that we were in trouble.be in serious trouble: · It was clear from the storm reports that the fishing boat must be in serious trouble.
to be in a dangerous situation - used especially in literature: be in great/grave peril (=be in serious danger): · It soon became clear that the ship was in grave peril.put somebody/something in peril: · Anything that slows down the operation, immediately puts the patient in peril.
to have problems when you are trying to do something if you have difficulty when you are trying to do something, you cannot easily do it: have difficulty/trouble (in) doing something: · It was obvious the patient was having great difficulty breathing.have difficulty/trouble with something: · A lot of Japanese students of English have trouble with the pronunciation of "b's and "v's.
to not be able to do something easily, especially because you do not have enough ability or skill: · I found the course difficult at first, but it gradually got easier.find it difficult to do something: · She always found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class.
if you do something with difficulty , you can do it, but only by using all your strength, all your determination etc: · She spoke with difficulty, choking back her tears.
to find it difficult to do something, especially because there are unexpected problems or because you have difficulty persuading other people: · I tried to find the house but I had such a hard time, I decided to give up.have a hard time doing something: · I'm still having a hard time getting the company to pay me.
if you can hardly or can barely do something, especially something physical, it is so difficult that you almost cannot do it: · By the end of the day she could hardly walk.· The smell was so bad that I could barely force myself to stay in the room.
if a situation or job is too much for someone , it is too difficult for them to deal with: · All the bullying and back-stabbing in the office was simply too much for him.· The job was too much for any single manager to cope with.
if something is a struggle you have to try very hard and even suffer in order to do it: · Clark lived 112 days on the artificial heart, and each day was a struggle.· She managed to get her money out of the welfare office, but only after a struggle.it is a struggle (for somebody) to do something: · It was a struggle for my mother to understand our lifestyle, but she tried very hard.it is a struggle doing something: · It was a struggle trying to feed a family of five on my salary.
if you say someone would be hard put or hard pressed to do something, you doubt that they would be able to do it because you think it is too difficult: · The two girls look so similar that you'd be hard put to tell the difference between them.· The governor will be hard pressed to find more money for schools while dealing with a $6 billion budget deficit.
also have your work cut out informal to have to work very hard if you are going to succeed in doing something: · I'll have my work cut out to get this design finished by this afternoon.· Rice hopes to break the record during tonight's game, but he'll have his work cut out for him.
informal to have to start doing something difficult such as a new job without people making it easier for you because you are new: · When I first started teaching I was really thrown in at the deep end -- I had a class of forty six-year-olds all on my own.
British spoken if you have a job doing something , it takes a lot of time or a lot of effort, and you may not be able to do it: · You'll have a job persuading him to give you any more money.· There was some kind of festival going on, and we had a job finding somewhere to park the car.
something wrong with a machine, system, plan etc something wrong with one of the parts of a machine that prevents it from working properly: · Quality control staff are employed to check for any faults.fault in: · I think there's a fault in one of the loudspeakers.· The fault could be either in the tape or in the VCR.electrical/mechanical/technical etc fault: · The rocket launch was delayed because of a technical fault.
something wrong with a product or machine, especially caused by a mistake in the way it was made or designed: · All the computers are checked for defects before they leave the factory.defect in: · A defect in the braking system caused several accidents before the car was recalled.· Investigators found a defect in the design of the ship.
something that stops a machine or system from working normally: · Please call 5326 if you have any computer problems.problem with: · There seems to be some kind of problem with the heaters.problem in: · Engineers were unable to find the source of the problem in the spacecraft's cooling system.
something wrong with a machine, car etc, especially when you do not know exactly what is causing it: · If you have engine trouble, park as far to the side of the road as possible.have trouble: · If you used the same tape later and had no trouble with the picture, the problem is probably in the VCR.trouble with: · We've been having some trouble with the air-conditioning.the trouble (=the particular thing causing the problem): · I think we've found out what the trouble is.
something wrong with a plan, system, or set of ideas, which may make the whole thing useless or not effective: · His plan seemed foolproof, but I was sure there was a flaw somewhere.· The program has serious weaknesses, and I would avoid using it.flaw/weakness in: · There are several obvious flaws in his argument.· One major weakness in the study is that it is based on a very small sample.
a small problem in a computer or a computer system: · The program suffers from some minor bugs, but is still better than the first version.· Some chips contained a bug that caused computers to crash frequently.
a small fault in the way something works, that can usually be corrected easily: · As the glitches are found and corrected, the process is speeding up.glitch in: · A glitch in the system shut down the telephone service to nearly 6 million customers. technical/mechanical etc glitch: · NASA officials found a way to work around the technical glitch on the Galileo spacecraft.
a set of instructions that someone puts secretly into other people's computers, that can destroy information stored in them or stop them working correctly: · The disk was accidentally infected with a virus called "Stoned III".· Computer users from around the world reported that the virus had invaded their systems.· an anti-virus program
spoken say this when there is a problem in a machine, part of a car etc, but you do not know exactly what it is: · I think there's something wrong with the clutch in my car.· I don't know what's the matter with it, but I can't get it to work.· There are programs that will help you figure out what's wrong with your PC, and help you correct it.
something that causes difficulties a bad situation that must be dealt with, because it is causing harm or inconvenience, or it is stopping you from doing what you want to do: have a problem: · If you have any problems, give me a call.problem with: · Sue's had a lot of problems with her neighbours recently.cause/create problems: · The new traffic system is causing problems for everyone.solve a problem (=find a way to deal with it): · Scientists still have not solved the problem of what to do with nuclear waste.the drug/crime etc problem: · Federal laws have almost no effect on the crime problem that concerns most people - crime on the streets.problem of: · The problem of substance abuse in high school is widespread.big/serious problem: · Our biggest problem is lack of money.· Whiteflies can be a serious problem that affects produce grown in California and other states.
a problem that makes it more difficult to do something that you are trying to do: · I don't expect major difficulties, although there are still differences to be worked out.difficulty with: · The main difficulty with this method is that it takes twice as long.have difficulty with (doing) something: · Youngsters may have difficulty applying the paint because of its thin consistency.get into difficulty/difficulties (=start to have problems in a situation): · Credit cards make it extremely easy to get into difficulty with debt.economic/financial difficulty: · The nation faces severe economic difficulties.language/technical/legal etc difficulty: · Police officers in most Californian cities need to be able to cope with language difficulties and cultural differences.face/experience difficulty: · Some parents experienced difficulty when they tried to move their children to other schools.be in difficulty/difficulties (=be in a situation that has problems): · Manchester United won easily, and never seemed to be in any difficulty.difficulty of doing something: · The difficulties of counting whales makes most population figures extremely unreliable.
a problem or several problems that make something difficult, spoil your plans etc: · The trouble was caused by a loose connection in the fuse box.· If you used the same tape later and had no sound trouble, the problem is in the video recorder, not the tape.trouble with: · The pilot reported trouble with both engines.have trouble: · We have had a lot of trouble with the car this year.have trouble doing something: · Norris had trouble finding work and is still unemployed.cause trouble: · Snow and freezing temperatures caused trouble at many airports.the trouble with something (=the one feature of something that is a problem): · The trouble with lasagne is that it takes so long to make.
informal a problem or a series of problems that are annoying because they involve a lot of work, arguing, inconvenience etc: · The airline doesn't make seat assignments, which can be a hassle for travelers, but it saves money.· Shopping by mail avoids the hassles of crowded stores at Christmastime.legal/bureaucratic etc hassles: · Byrd says he settled the claim to avoid legal hassles.it's too much hassle: · I don't want to organize a big party - it's too much hassle.
an additional problem that makes a situation even harder to deal with than it already is: · One complication is that the meals also need to be suitable for children of Islamic or Jewish faiths.· Legal and financial complications have made it impossible for the two companies to complete the deal on time.
a small problem within a long process: · The plan has a hitch: drilling holes for the owls in the trees will kill the trees. without a hitch (=without any problems): · The parade went off without a hitch, despite concern about protestors.· The shuttle landed without a hitch at Edwards Air Force Base.there's a hitch: · There was a hitch - about half the employees did not want to move to a different city.hitch in: · Nelson refused to comment on reports of a last-minute hitch in the negotiations.technical hitch: · There's been a slight technical hitch, so we'll have to postpone the video until later.
a small problem which is not very important compared to other things: · There was a slight hiccup when I couldn't find my car keys, but finally we set off.· The airline industry's troubles are a mere hiccup in an otherwise upward growth trend.
a small problem or disadvantage in something which is mainly good and satisfactory: · The cleanup effort was delayed for a few days by some technical snags and equipment problems.hit a snag/run into a snag: · The case hit a snag in October when the judge handling it had to be replaced.last-minute snag: · The House worked out some last-minute snags in the legislation.
a hidden problem or disadvantage in an offer that seems very good - use this especially when you think the problem has been deliberately hidden to trick people: there's a catch: · You get free meals and accommodation, but there's a catch -- you have to look after the children.with a catch: · Many of the best deals come with a catch: they are only good through early summer.the catch is (that): · The catch is that you can't enter the contest unless you have spent $50 in the store.
British small problems that a new company, product, system etc has at the beginning: · After a few teething troubles, the new car worked perfectly.· The disagreement was just one of the teething problems of the partnership.
to have a problem · If you have any problems, just come and ask me.· I had a few problems getting the copier to work.have a problem with · I'm having a bit of a problem with my dishwasher.· One landowner says he has never had any problems with hikers crossing his property.· Jane can be quite difficult to get on with -- I've had one or two problems with her in the past.
to have problems that make it more difficult to do something: · You look as if you're having trouble -- do you want any help?have trouble/difficulty with: · I had some trouble with the car this morning.· She's having a little difficulty with her spelling.have trouble/difficulty doing something: · He had a lot of trouble finding a job.· The child was having difficulty breathing.
to have serious problems: · It's clear from these figures that the company is in trouble.· When someone's in trouble it's natural to try and help them.get into trouble (=start having serious problems): · I took out a loan but got into trouble when I lost my job.in deep/serious/big trouble (=have very serious problems): · Consular officers can help and advise you if you are in any serious trouble while abroad.
to have a lot of problems or a lot of difficulty doing something: · Premature babies have a hard time even under the best of circumstances.have a hard time doing something: · A lot of people are having a hard time making ends meet.· Anyone calling the 202 area code this weekend had a hard time getting through.
to have a problem, a difficult choice, or the possibility of something bad happening soon: · We are often faced with dilemmas or problems which have no easy answers.· Manufacturing industries are faced with decreasing productivity and increasing international competition.· When faced with an unfamiliar word, good readers are able to make guesses based on the meaning and structure of the sentence.
to have a difficult problem or opponent that you must deal with or fight against: · The company is up against tough competition from abroad.· When you're surfing and get hit by a wave, it's a reminder of what you're up against.· In the semi-finals he will be up against one of the best players in the game.
to start having problems or difficulties that you have to deal with: · Older people applying for jobs come up against an age barrier.· The committee found itself coming up against the prejudices of many staff when it tried to introduce new working practices.
to experience problems, difficulties, or opposition while you are trying to do something: · Drivers on the M25 are likely to encounter fog and black ice tonight.· Many of the children encountered some difficulty in learning the material.· The government has encountered strong opposition over its plans to build a new airport.
to unexpectedly start having problems while you are doing something: · The corporation has run into serious financial problems.· Our staff will be happy to answer your questions should you run into difficulties installing the equipment yourself.
informal to have a lot of difficult problems to deal with or a lot of things to worry about: · Don't bother your mother -- she's got a lot on her plate at the moment.· Susan's had a lot on her plate recently, what with the car accident and everything.
when someone causes problems, especially deliberately to cause a problem, even if you do not intend to: · After a while, John started causing problems in class.· They have two good running backs who can cause problems for our team's defense.· A popular independent candidate could create problems for the Democrats by taking away votes.
to deliberately cause problems, especially by starting arguments or fights: · Don't give him another drink, or he'll start causing trouble.· Some of the demonstrators were determined to make trouble, whatever the police did.· It's not just gang members that cause trouble, it's middle- and upper-class kids too.
to deliberately cause problems and make it difficult for someone to do something, for example in order to punish them or persuade them to do something: · They can't actually stop us, but they could make life difficult.make life difficult for: · Some employers have made life difficult for employees who need time off for extended illnesses.
informal to deliberately treat someone badly and cause trouble for them, for example by criticizing them, complaining, or asking them a lot of difficult questions: · When I first came here everyone gave me a really hard time, because I was the first woman to run a department.give sb a hard time about: · My mother gave me a really hard time about Freddy. She couldn't stand him.
informal to cause problems by making changes in a situation that everyone else thinks is satisfactory: · We have a pretty good life here. Why rock the boat?· Judge Thurgood Marshall never hesitated to rock the boat, from the beginning of his long legal career.· A lot of people have a don't-rock-the boat mentality that stops them from complaining.
to cause extra work or inconvenience for someone to cause problems for someone by making them do something that is inconvenient for them: · Would I be inconveniencing you if I arrived about ten thirty?· The builders promised the Browns that they would not be inconvenienced for more than two days.cause inconvenience for somebody: · It was weeks before a decision was made, which caused inconvenience for everyone.cause somebody inconvenience: · If you don't remember your password, you'll cause yourself a lot of inconvenience.
to make someone have to do something that is inconvenient for them by asking them to do something for you: · Are you sure you don't mind picking the children up from school? I don't want to put you out.· I hope I'm not putting you out, but I need someone to stay in the office at lunchtime today.
to cause someone problems or more work than usual: · I didn't want to trouble you - you have your own problems.· She doesn't want to trouble you by asking lots of questions.
to make someone spend a lot of time or use a lot of effort in doing something for you: · We've put her to a lot of trouble. Why don't we get her some flowers?· I don't want to put you to any trouble.
what you say when you are explaining a problem spoken say this when you are explaining why something is difficult or what is causing problems: · The trouble is, there's no-one here who really understands computers.the trouble/problem is (that): · The problem is that we can't really afford the plane fare.the trouble/problem with something is: · The trouble with using credit cards is that it's so easy to get into debt.
spoken informal say this when you are explaining to a friend why you cannot do what they want: · The thing is, I have an important exam next week.· I'd love to come, but the thing is, I promised to see Jim tonight.
something that makes you feel worried or unhappy something that happens in your life that makes you feel worried, unhappy, or ill: have a problem: · Bill isn't sleeping well - I think he's having problems at school.personal problems: · She's had a lot of personal problems - her mother died when she was eight.health problems: · Tannen retired early due to health problems.
things that make you feel worried and unhappy, especially problems that have continued for a long time: · It's nice to talk to someone about your troubles.· Parents can get wrapped up in their own troubles, and not notice how it's affecting their children.
when someone is likely to be punished especially spoken if you are in trouble , you are likely to be punished because you have done something bad: · You'll be in trouble if they catch you cheating.be in trouble with: · My sister's in trouble with the police again.get into trouble: · I'll get into trouble if my parents see me smoking.
informal use this to say that someone deserves to be punished or deserves something bad that happens to them: · A lot of people think the murdered man had it coming.have it coming to: · He had it coming to him, the jerk.
to do something that involves unnecessary risks to stupidly do something that is almost certain to be dangerous or cause trouble: · Anyone who buys second-hand car tires is just asking for trouble.· You need to have a good knowledge of the industry before you buy stocks, or you're asking for trouble.
especially written if you invite trouble, criticism, attack etc, you do something that seems likely to cause you trouble or that encourages people to criticize you, attack you etc: · If you don't maintain your car regularly, you're just inviting trouble.· Not to provide aid will just invite further catastrophe in the area.
informal to do something that involves a risk of failure, because you have been successful when you have done it before: · I think I'd be pushing my luck if I asked him to babysit again on such short notice.· Twelve months later, the captain of Sea Rover pushed his luck once too often.
to do something that involves unnecessary risk, because you are too confident that there will be no problems: · It would be tempting fate to travel without a spare wheel.· By building houses in the steep canyons, Californians are tempting fate in the form of mudslides and fires.
to stupidly take a risk, especially by doing something or getting involved in a situation that is likely to have a very unpleasant result: · The government was warned it was playing with fire by arresting so-called "separatist" leaders.· Anyone who gets involved with a married man is playing with fire.
to try very hard to help someone to make every possible effort to be helpful or to please someone, even when this causes you difficulty or inconvenience: · I bend over backwards to help him, but I never get any thanks for it.· The school have bent over backwards to accommodate Jan's mobility difficulties.
to make a special effort to help someone, especially someone who needs help and support: · When Annie arrived, Harriman went out of his way to make life pleasant for her.· Jennifer knew what a difficult time I was having, and went out of her way to be friendly.
to make a special effort to do something you think will be useful or helpful: · Take the trouble to learn all of your students' names. They will appreciate it.· My bank manager took the trouble to write a very detailed letter answering my inquiry.· The head of department has been very helpful - he even took the trouble to show me round the premises during his lunch hour.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
There’s trouble brewing in the office. Evan will be in deep trouble if he is caught. a stress-free life I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. Her trusting nature often led her into trouble. The business ran into financial difficulties almost immediately. I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me. He got us into this mess, and then left at the first sniff of trouble! John was always stirring up trouble in class.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· He is having trouble getting his message across to the voters.
· We had no trouble finding her house.
· I hope the delay hasn’t caused you any trouble.
· There was some trouble at her office, but she didn’t say what it was.
(=mean there will be trouble)· They are now much more competitive, which can only spell trouble for their rivals.
(=be silly or dangerous)· It’s asking for trouble to wear high-heeled shoes on a long walk.
· We avoid trouble by planning carefully.
adjectives· High interest rates spell big trouble for homeowners.
· I’ve been having terrible trouble sleeping.
(=a lot of trouble)· They had endless trouble with the water supply.
· I was having serious trouble knowing where to begin.
British English (=small problems that you have when you first start doing a new job or using a new system)· There were a lot of teething troubles in the first year.
phrases· A couple of nurses rushed into the room to see what the trouble was.
(=easily)· The work was carried out without any trouble.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· In high altitudes some people have trouble breathing.
There’s trouble brewing in the office.· I decided not to complain because I didn’t want to cause trouble.
(=the knowledge that you have done something wrong)· His guilty conscience kept him awake at night.
Evan will be in deep trouble if he is caught. (=problems with an engine)· When the boat developed engine trouble, the crew had to abandon ship.
old-fashioned Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.
Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.· She stood looking at me with an anxious expression.
a stress-free life I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket.· You should not take this medication if you have heart problems.
Her trusting nature often led her into trouble. The business ran into financial difficulties almost immediately. I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me.· The other women, sensing trouble, immediately began to edge away.
· The economy was in serious trouble.
(=to not sleep well)· Why do so many elderly people have trouble sleeping?
He got us into this mess, and then left at the first sniff of trouble! John was always stirring up trouble in class.· And I shall be in big trouble if I return alone.· Down by as much as 25 percent in polls, in power for 18 years, the Conservatives are in big trouble.· Despite that, many in the industry reckon Daimler's biggest troubles may still be ahead.· Although he was in big trouble three of the five innings he pitched, Kamieniecki kept putting zeroes on the board.· Landed herself in big trouble in the Bay, but managed to get out of it.· Payroll taxes get you into trouble, and withheld payroll taxes get you into big trouble.· Once Belmont picked up an opening end count of five, Dunluce were in big trouble.· If the dam broke, the village would be in big big trouble.
· Planning permission for a big housing development has been refused, and the group is in deep trouble over it.· It put him, as investor in these two as well as Ballantynes the printers who were also insolvent, in deep trouble.· He warned management during training camp that the team would be in deep trouble if either he or Johnson suffered injuries.· The retreat of individuals to the private sector simply obscures the deep troubles of national education as a whole.· Again he got him in deep trouble, knocking him down three times last year.· At home, Felipe Gonzalez's Socialists are in deep trouble.· If everyone except Fifi and Manuel shows up at the compound, the lovers will be in deep trouble.
· And there is a vast difference between businessmen in financial trouble and consumers in financial trouble.· Universities found that the students in most financial trouble have dependants, and received most help from the funds.· And there is a vast difference between businessmen in financial trouble and consumers in financial trouble.· Suddenly it became obvious that the company was in serious financial trouble.· However, three years ago, the society nearly folded from financial troubles.
· She was in real trouble now.· The begin-ning of real trouble was flunking the bar exam and receiving, in turn, a reduced salary from my firm.· From that, alas, real trouble arose.· She was significantly below average in this area; she had real trouble recalling the design and drawing it.· If his controller had taken her seriously, he might have been in real trouble.· This is where you can get into real trouble.· The real trouble with smacking is that it is too easy.· Those road bonds are in real trouble -- and for good reason.
· If the forester finds green wood in your woodpile, you're in serious trouble.· This can lead to serious trouble.· It is a star in serious trouble, with bright bloated lobes of gas swelling off it, announcing its death throes.· He refused to discuss suspects, but made it clear that some one is in serious trouble.· The man had been accused of raping a local girl and was in very serious trouble.· Yet, even as conservative ideas are in the ascendancy, the parties and politicians that represent them are in serious trouble.· Its leaders knew there was a serious risk of trouble if it took a mass march into Gqozo's lair.· But whenever Clinton finds himself in serious trouble, he has dialed up Morris, 48.
· All of a sudden the dynamite business was in terrible trouble.· When something goes wrong, as it always does, they are in terrible trouble.
NOUN· As the Sea King hovered in gale force winds, alarms warned of engine trouble.· For the record their performance was marred by engine trouble, but simply taking part was more significant than the result.· Outside Peterborough we ran into engine trouble and lost nearly two hours.· The boat belonging to Arnold Spence, the fisherman for whom he worked, had developed engine trouble.· Gehlbach, flying the R-2 had engine trouble in the Bendix, losing oil, and finishing second.· He had a story of engine trouble to explain his own unauthorised landing, and we had to let him go.· J.B. Holgate had suffered engine trouble and been forced to return.
· Bryan, said to have severe arthritis and heart trouble, admitted attempted murder.· That would introduce a bias toward heart trouble among calcium channel blocker users.· Ken's enthusiasm never diminished and up until his recent heart trouble his work rate for the club was never less than 114 percent.· With or without heart trouble, Shelby wasn't a man to settle for a dull life.· This could happen in a high-stress job where the executive concerned has a history of heart trouble.· One concern is that he suffers from heart trouble.· Mr Taylor had to resign on December 31, 1990, after heart trouble led to four coronary by-pass operations.
· Their occupational duty, as they saw it, was equally clear-sufficient numbers and mobile reserves for the trouble spots.· In the event of a threat to security, they would grab their helmets and weapons and rush to the trouble spot.· As the verb is the first trouble spot encountered in the sentence, the substitution is made there.· Undeterred, the band went sight-seeing around the various trouble spots, getting their pictures taken besides security gates and confused-looking squaddies.· Typically, the software comes with a pre-programmed database of known Internet trouble spots.· The list of trouble spots is endless.· Local News Editor Rona Johnson was especially effective directing reporters to new trouble spots.
VERB· There are people out there who will use any excuse to cause trouble.· On offense, they run a five-receiver set that some people think will cause the Cowboys trouble.· We didn't give them a chance to cause trouble.· I did not find that dropping him home caused me any trouble with him at school.· If they started to cause trouble, we just asked them to move on and they appreciated it.· To get them, he was, for a man in a suit, surprisingly willing to cause trouble.· If they cause trouble with me I cause trouble with them it's as simple as that.· I feel like I want to cause a little trouble, and nobody lets me.
· And that we only get into trouble if we drive them while eating a Kit Kat.· Payroll taxes get you into trouble, and withheld payroll taxes get you into big trouble.· That young so-and-so might easily have got his Betty into trouble, if he had not caught them in time.· His propensity for saying yes when no would have been more appropriate kept getting the partnership into trouble.· She accused Nanny of making up stories about her and saying bad things to get Frankie into trouble.· He could take care of it when one of the kids got in trouble with the police.· They loose all sense of direction and get into trouble.· Even when I am good, I get in trouble.
· Vacation time Francis arranged for him to caddy at the Lyford Cay club to keep him out of trouble.· The loyalty program he established in 1947 was the first step toward making them value caution and keeping out of trouble.· Either tactic offers at least a chance of keeping trouble to the minimum.· You need a captain along to keep you out of trouble.· As Errol remarked: I try to keep out of trouble the best I can.· But that's good because it keeps us out of trouble.· Robert actually trembled in his longing to protect and to keep all trouble from her.· In the age of anxiety gay men go to the gym five nights a week, just to keep out of trouble.
· There was no harm in that but it landed him in trouble every time.· Might we not show these photographs to the government and land the people in trouble?· Which is just as well because some of them have played just a little bit too hard, landing themselves in serious trouble.· He was irascible, hard-cussing, for ever landing in trouble.· Jones landed in trouble over his commentary on a football video glorifying violence.· But that would land Dolly in trouble.· Modern-day racers are under the public spotlight and any slip-up can land them in serious trouble.· It doesn't have to land you in trouble.
· Brett must have run into trouble.· It was a year that also saw Barings run into trouble keeping personnel.· It depended for its prosperity on the local slate quarries and when these ran into trouble so did the railway.· But they run into trouble when Maj.· Some heavily-indebted developers have run into trouble, causing problems for the finance companies that back them.· Societies that treat their constituent members as identical pawns soon run into trouble.· He ran into more trouble during the cheque presentation on the players balcony when he appeared in a vest.· The firm ran into trouble last year after evidence of fraud was found at some of its sites.
· We could dispense some justice and hang him from the bowsprit to save the courts the trouble.· It saved her the trouble of putting gray powder in her hair.· It saves me the trouble of going after you.· Manny says, saving Primo the trouble.· Act now, save trouble later!· Blyth saved me the trouble of suggesting a game of football by doing it himself.· Why not send government poll-takers door to door, saving voters the trouble of having to remember when Election Day falls?
· However, other investors said a difficult Diet session could spell trouble for bonds in the medium-term.· And a free email address, like Hotmail, spells trouble.· Even a danger that spelled immediate trouble was allowed to simmer.· That spells trouble for the individual, the team, and, perhaps most important, the client.· If true, it could spell big trouble for many people, and not just those living in seaside cottages.
· Keep in touch with the leaders, aim to hit the front a furlong out, stay out of trouble.· She had decided at an early age that the best way to stay out of trouble was to stay out of sight.· Forget Ascot, she told herself, ride your race, but stay out of trouble.· After she calmed down she reminded me of our bargain, and of how she had stayed out of trouble all year.· I managed to stay out of trouble, though.· In spite of his vows to stay out of trouble he always managed to find it.· He can't be expected to know how to stay out of trouble here in the country.· Darlington juvenile court gave the girl a conditional discharge for 12 months and she was warned to stay out of trouble.
· Don't deliberately stir up trouble. 5 Pray for the person that is picking on you.· When Hercules arrived she met him kindly and told him she would give him the girdle, but Hera stirred up trouble.· And, of course, if he did stir up trouble he could always be put inside again.· We appreciate the investment, without which we would be unable to stir up the trouble that gives our lives meaning.· While all this was going on agents of Naggaroth were abroad throughout the Old World stirring up trouble.· For lawyers, unlike most accountants, love to stir up trouble.· Whenever there is a chance, she and her partners will emerge and stir up trouble.
· This involves the incoming group taking the time and trouble to go and see other local leaders to talk through their plans.· But Richard would read it all, searching carefully, talking to anyone who had taken the trouble to come in.· Gesner was taking a lot of trouble with Ingrid in the Baron.· He could not have been kinder nor taken more trouble to see that we enjoyed ourselves.· The morale was high, the nursing caring and good and the doctors could not have taken more trouble.· Mr Tempest said he was sorry to receive the news but glad he had taken the trouble to inquire.· My doctor's a nice young man, takes no end of trouble.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► borrow trouble► trouble with a capital T, fast with a capital F etc► dig somebody out of trouble/a mess/a hole etc► foment revolution/trouble/discord etc► pour oil on troubled waters► put somebody to trouble/inconvenience► spare somebody the trouble/difficulty/pain etc (of doing something)
- After she calmed down she reminded me of our bargain, and of how she had stayed out of trouble all year.
- Getting you out of trouble again.
- Our assumption that we can build our way out of trouble is another.
- She had decided at an early age that the best way to stay out of trouble was to stay out of sight.
- The loyalty program he established in 1947 was the first step toward making them value caution and keeping out of trouble.
- The parole system has been making efforts to keep former convicts out of trouble.
- You need a captain along to keep you out of trouble.
- But Berg is a wily writer who has no trouble whipping up something sweet and satisfying from this unpromising set of circumstances.
- Either way it meant a walk to Snodland or Cuxton to catch a train so walking that extra was no trouble.
- Hardy had said he'd be no trouble.
- My life fell apart, but he had no trouble picking up the pieces and forged ahead with a new woman.
- Of the four new breeds, three are in no trouble providing they are well looked after.
- Oh yes, it was no trouble.
- The Celtics had no trouble getting second and third shots.
- The Sibyl, too, had some cake for him and he gave them no trouble.
- Anyone who buys second-hand car tires is just asking for trouble.
- Walking around downtown late at night is just asking for trouble.
- You'd better check the oil in your car. Otherwise you're just asking for trouble.
- You need to have a good knowledge of the industry before you buy stocks, or you're asking for trouble.
- Certainly don't put them one in front of the other, as this is asking for trouble.
- If you leave your wallet unattended on the beach while frolicking in the waves, you are asking for trouble.
- It was asking for trouble especially if you wore glasses like him.
- Kitty was totally preoccupied with the threatened invasion, and to tell her this would be asking for trouble.
- One cautious council member thought the parish would be asking for trouble by starting a sister-parish relationship in a war zone.
- Producing a play without an interval these days is asking for trouble.
- That would simply be asking for trouble!
- My doctor's a nice young man, takes no end of trouble.
- Neighbours say a new flats development in Sun Street, Darlington, has created no end of problems.
- They'd caused no end of problems for the nomes.
- Being too aggressive can land you in trouble - and still not get you paid.
- But that would land Dolly in trouble.
- In fact, it's the very program that landed Microsoft in court.
- It doesn't have to land you in trouble.
- Might we not show these photographs to the government and land the people in trouble?
- The attendant filed criminal charges against the princess, landing her in court two days after she landed at Logan.
- There was no harm in that but it landed him in trouble every time.
- For not the least of Henry's problems was how to raise the money required for the accomplishment of such an undertaking.
- Greatly increased taxes and a major shift back to defence expenditure could be the least of our worries.
- Not the least of its problems was extreme alienation between labor and management.
- That was the least of her troubles.
- The death under somewhat dubious circumstances of a racehorse belonging to his son was frankly the least of his problems.
- The kid with the knife was looking for trouble.
- Hindsight tells me that I was looking for trouble, but-at the time I knew nothing about it.
- They were looking for trouble and they found us instead.
- Müller had smelled trouble the moment she said who she was.
- You seem to smell danger and taste excitement and, as television has no smell or taste, that is powerful evocation.
- After all, one case of the trots hardly spells disaster.
- Delegated authority without a meaningful consultation process would spell disaster for teacher morale, motivation, commitment and hence effectiveness.
- However, other investors said a difficult Diet session could spell trouble for bonds in the medium-term.
- Staff here say that would spell disaster for hundreds of alcoholics.
- Troubling developments For the reference-service industry, these developments spell trouble.
- Mahmud may have bought time for himself, but he stored up trouble for his successors.
- A fish that comes from slow-moving often murky waters is unlikely to appreciate bright lighting or turbulent filtration.
- A last desperate attempt to escape into the murky waters.
- And instead of heading off into uncharted waters, Shyamalan has positively invited comparisons with his previous opus.
- But then our conversations took a dive into the murky waters of sexuality and jealousy.
- Clearly the 49ers are sailing in uncharted waters.
- I would be chary of anything caught in these murky waters.
- Other career seekers are more interested in venturing into uncharted waters.
- This is useful if you fly by night or live in murky waters.
WORD FAMILYadjectivetroubledtroublesometroublingnountroubleverbtrouble
1problems [uncountable] (also troubles [plural]) problems or difficultiestrouble with We’re having a lot of trouble with the new computer system. Recent stock market losses point to trouble ahead.► see thesaurus at problem2bad point [singular] used when saying what is bad about a person or situation or what causes problems: The trouble with you is that you don’t listen. The trouble is there are too many people and not enough places. But no one ever remembers – that’s the trouble. You never think, that’s your trouble.3bad situation in/into/out of trouble a)if someone or something is in trouble, they are in a situation with a lot of problems: He admitted that their marriage was in trouble.get/run into trouble The company ran into trouble when it tried to expand too quickly.in serious/deep trouble The economy was in serious trouble. the dangers of trying to borrow your way out of trouble b)if someone is in trouble, they have done something which someone will punish them for or be angry aboutin deep/big trouble We’ll be in big trouble if Mr Elliott finds out.in trouble with somebody I think I’m in trouble with Dad. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to get into trouble.keep/stay out of trouble I hope Tim stays out of trouble this year.4fighting [uncountable] fighting, violence, or violent behaviour: If the kids start to cause trouble, ask them to move on. A handful of people came looking for trouble. If you start any trouble, you’ll regret it. There was crowd trouble before the match.5worries [uncountable] (also troubles [plural]) problems in your life which you are worried about: He poured out all his troubles to me (=told me all about his problems).6effort [uncountable] an amount of effort and time that is needed to do somethingtake the trouble to do something (=make a special effort to do something) The teacher took the trouble to learn all our names on the first day. They’ve obviously gone to a lot of trouble to arrange everything.save somebody the trouble (of doing something) If you’d asked me first, I could have saved you the trouble. I find that making my own clothes is more trouble than it’s worth (=takes too much time and effort).7no trouble used to say politely that you are happy to do something for someone: ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ ‘It’s no trouble.’ The kids were no trouble (=used to say you were happy to look after them because they were well-behaved).8health [uncountable] a problem that you have with your health: He has trouble with his breathing.heart/stomach/skin etc trouble He suffers from back trouble.► see thesaurus at illness9machine/system [uncountable] when something is wrong with a machine, vehicle, or system: engine troubletrouble with He had to retire from the race because of trouble with the gearbox.GRAMMAR: Countable or uncountable?• Trouble is usually used as an uncountable noun: · Are you having trouble with your car? ✗Don’t say: Are you having a trouble with your car? Trouble is not used with ‘a’.• The plural form troubles is used when talking about worries or bad experiences that someone has: · Tell me about all your troubles.COLLOCATIONSverbshave trouble· He is having trouble getting his message across to the voters.have no trouble· We had no trouble finding her house.cause trouble· I hope the delay hasn’t caused you any trouble.there is trouble· There was some trouble at her office, but she didn’t say what it was.mean/spell trouble (=mean there will be trouble)· They are now much more competitive, which can only spell trouble for their rivals.be asking for trouble (=be silly or dangerous)· It’s asking for trouble to wear high-heeled shoes on a long walk.avoid trouble· We avoid trouble by planning carefully.adjectivesbig/great trouble· High interest rates spell big trouble for homeowners.terrible trouble· I’ve been having terrible trouble sleeping.endless trouble (=a lot of trouble)· They had endless trouble with the water supply.serious trouble· I was having serious trouble knowing where to begin.teething troubles British English (=small problems that you have when you first start doing a new job or using a new system)· There were a lot of teething troubles in the first year.phraseswhat the trouble is· A couple of nurses rushed into the room to see what the trouble was.without any/much trouble (=easily)· The work was carried out without any trouble.trouble1 nountrouble2 verb
troubletrouble2 ●●○ verb [transitive] WORD ORIGINtrouble2
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French troubler, from Vulgar Latin turbulare, from Latin turbidus; ➔ TURBIDVERB TABLE
trouble
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | trouble |
| he, she, it | troubles | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | troubled |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have troubled |
| he, she, it | has troubled | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had troubled |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will trouble |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have troubled |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am troubling |
| he, she, it | is troubling | |
| you, we, they | are troubling | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was troubling |
| you, we, they | were troubling | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been troubling |
| he, she, it | has been troubling | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been troubling |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be troubling |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been troubling |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- He often troubled the neighbors to take care of his dog.
- I didn't want to trouble you - you have your own problems.
- Many workers said they were troubled by the lack of safety procedures.
- She doesn't want to trouble you by asking lots of questions.
- She is troubled by the fact that her son already shows signs of inheriting his father's mental problems.
- Stephen's been troubled with an earache all week.
- The incident troubled me -- it wasn't like Sarah to be so secretive.
- You must talk to your daughter and find out what's troubling her.
- But its seeming determination to do so is deeply troubling.
- Castro said he was troubled by such disparities.
- Every great religion originally appeared as a response among people desperate for comfort and solace during troubling times.
- He got permission to fly home to Detroit for a look-see at his troubled right ankle.
- He is troubled for two reasons.
- Marian talked over with him some of the things that troubled her.
Longman Language Activatorto cause extra work or inconvenience for someone
to cause problems for someone by making them do something that is inconvenient for them: · Would I be inconveniencing you if I arrived about ten thirty?· The builders promised the Browns that they would not be inconvenienced for more than two days.cause inconvenience for somebody: · It was weeks before a decision was made, which caused inconvenience for everyone.cause somebody inconvenience: · If you don't remember your password, you'll cause yourself a lot of inconvenience.
to make someone have to do something that is inconvenient for them by asking them to do something for you: · Are you sure you don't mind picking the children up from school? I don't want to put you out.· I hope I'm not putting you out, but I need someone to stay in the office at lunchtime today.
to cause someone problems or more work than usual: · I didn't want to trouble you - you have your own problems.· She doesn't want to trouble you by asking lots of questions.
to make someone spend a lot of time or use a lot of effort in doing something for you: · We've put her to a lot of trouble. Why don't we get her some flowers?· I don't want to put you to any trouble.
to make someone feel worried · The changes in the Earth's climate began to worry some scientists.· "Why didn't you tell me?" "I didn't want to worry you."it worries somebody that · Doesn't it worry you that Stephen spends so much time away from home?what worries somebody is · What worries me is the difference in age between Rosie and her boyfriend.· One thing that worried me was that information had been leaked to the press.
if a problem troubles you, it makes you feel worried because you do not know what to do about it: · You must talk to your daughter and find out what's troubling her.· The incident troubled me -- it wasn't like Sarah to be so secretive.be troubled by something: · She is troubled by the fact that her son already shows signs of inheriting his father's mental problems.
if someone else's problems, health, safety etc concern you, you worry about them because you think they are important, even when they may not affect you personally: · Kate's behaviour at school is starting to concern her parents.it concerns somebody that: · It concerns me that some tutors are meeting with students outside college hours.what concerns somebody is: · What concerns me most is that despite pay increases, production has not improved.
if something bothers you, it slightly worries you - use this especially about problems that do not seem serious: · The only thing that bothers me is how I'm going to get from the station to the farm.· You shouldn't let little things like that bother you.what bothers somebody is: · What bothers me is that you didn't feel you could talk to me or your father about it.
also give somebody cause for concern if something that is happening causes concern or is a cause for concern , it makes someone, especially someone in an official position, feel worried, because it is unsatisfactory or possibly dangerous - used especially in official situations: · We have to inform you that your son's behaviour has been causing concern for some time now.· Two dozen cases of water poisoning in the space of a week certainly is a cause for concern, and we shall be taking action.· The Secretary General said that the recent developments are giving him cause for concern.cause somebody concern: · Your husband has almost recovered -- the only thing that's still causing us concern is his high blood pressure.cause concern among: · The decision has caused concern among human rights groups.
if a problem or something bad that has happened preys on your mind , it worries you continuously even though you do not want to think about it: · It was starting to prey on my mind so much that I went to the hospital.· The old woman's warning preyed on Mary's mind as she continued her journey.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY They have been deeply troubled by the allegations.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES There’s trouble brewing in the office. Evan will be in deep trouble if he is caught. a stress-free life I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket. Her trusting nature often led her into trouble. The business ran into financial difficulties almost immediately. I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me. He got us into this mess, and then left at the first sniff of trouble! John was always stirring up trouble in class.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
They have been deeply troubled by the allegations.· In high altitudes some people have trouble breathing.
There’s trouble brewing in the office.· I decided not to complain because I didn’t want to cause trouble.
(=the knowledge that you have done something wrong)· His guilty conscience kept him awake at night.
Evan will be in deep trouble if he is caught. (=problems with an engine)· When the boat developed engine trouble, the crew had to abandon ship.
old-fashioned Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.
Come on – there’ll be time enough to chat later.· She stood looking at me with an anxious expression.
a stress-free life I went to a good deal of trouble to get this ticket.· You should not take this medication if you have heart problems.
Her trusting nature often led her into trouble. The business ran into financial difficulties almost immediately. I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of coming to collect me.· The other women, sensing trouble, immediately began to edge away.
· The economy was in serious trouble.
(=to not sleep well)· Why do so many elderly people have trouble sleeping?
He got us into this mess, and then left at the first sniff of trouble! John was always stirring up trouble in class.· But its seeming determination to do so is deeply troubling.· This is deeply troubling to many members of the faiths concerned.· Gabriel tried to slot this into what the new death was all about; she was deeply troubled.· Bill Archer is very worried, deeply troubled that a constitutional crisis may be approaching.· She remains deeply troubled by separatist movements.
· I felt troubled enough about this to relate it later to the Reading Teacher.· The issue was important and troubling enough to prompt me to investigate.
· Three years later, this question would much trouble Boswell.· At this sight Catharine, much troubled, prostrated profoundly and gradually restored the foot of Agnes to its usual position.
· And the farmer and his wife were never troubled by the tiger again.· But Symington is never troubled by the here and now.· In his accounts of Roman men and manners, Polybius is never troubled by difficulties of interpretation.· It never troubled them, and never divided them.· Fogarty led all the way and was never troubled by the Dunlop duo behind him.
· But what was still troubling her was the fact that she had still not broached the subject of Janice.· There is just one thing still troubling me, Holmes, although you will think it absurd.· But something still troubled the chief inspector.· I doubted if thoughts of Morgause still troubled his sleep.· He was still troubled by her last phrase about Al Moore.· Nearly everyone is still troubled by the memory of what happened, and all hope nothing like it happens again.· The outlook in the second half is still troubled by silk prices.· Madge could see that Polly was still troubled, but of course she thought the whole problem was lack of roughage.
NOUN· I could not make out whether his conscience was troubling him or whether he didn't realise what he was telling me.· She liked their life together, and her conscience had never been troubled by the knowledge of where their wealth came from.
VERB· At first, the darkening official mood seems not to have troubled Prokofiev.· But such misfortunes do not seem to trouble the prime minister.· The unvarying similarity of her days didn't seem to trouble her.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► may I trouble you?/sorry to trouble you► don’t trouble yourselfPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► borrow trouble► trouble with a capital T, fast with a capital F etc► dig somebody out of trouble/a mess/a hole etc► foment revolution/trouble/discord etc► pour oil on troubled waters► put somebody to trouble/inconvenience► spare somebody the trouble/difficulty/pain etc (of doing something)
- Do not trouble to don your hat and gloves, Holmes.
- I did not trouble to raise the matter with Keeble.
- Paul need not trouble to come down, everything had been arranged.
- She had not troubled to dress, despite, or perhaps because of, the fact that she had male visitors.
- The Attorney-General I have not troubled to inquire whether any firm has contributed to the Conservative party.
- Anyone who buys second-hand car tires is just asking for trouble.
- Walking around downtown late at night is just asking for trouble.
- You'd better check the oil in your car. Otherwise you're just asking for trouble.
- You need to have a good knowledge of the industry before you buy stocks, or you're asking for trouble.
- Certainly don't put them one in front of the other, as this is asking for trouble.
- If you leave your wallet unattended on the beach while frolicking in the waves, you are asking for trouble.
- It was asking for trouble especially if you wore glasses like him.
- Kitty was totally preoccupied with the threatened invasion, and to tell her this would be asking for trouble.
- One cautious council member thought the parish would be asking for trouble by starting a sister-parish relationship in a war zone.
- Producing a play without an interval these days is asking for trouble.
- That would simply be asking for trouble!
- My doctor's a nice young man, takes no end of trouble.
- Neighbours say a new flats development in Sun Street, Darlington, has created no end of problems.
- They'd caused no end of problems for the nomes.
- Being too aggressive can land you in trouble - and still not get you paid.
- But that would land Dolly in trouble.
- In fact, it's the very program that landed Microsoft in court.
- It doesn't have to land you in trouble.
- Might we not show these photographs to the government and land the people in trouble?
- The attendant filed criminal charges against the princess, landing her in court two days after she landed at Logan.
- There was no harm in that but it landed him in trouble every time.
- For not the least of Henry's problems was how to raise the money required for the accomplishment of such an undertaking.
- Greatly increased taxes and a major shift back to defence expenditure could be the least of our worries.
- Not the least of its problems was extreme alienation between labor and management.
- That was the least of her troubles.
- The death under somewhat dubious circumstances of a racehorse belonging to his son was frankly the least of his problems.
- The kid with the knife was looking for trouble.
- Hindsight tells me that I was looking for trouble, but-at the time I knew nothing about it.
- They were looking for trouble and they found us instead.
- Müller had smelled trouble the moment she said who she was.
- You seem to smell danger and taste excitement and, as television has no smell or taste, that is powerful evocation.
- After all, one case of the trots hardly spells disaster.
- Delegated authority without a meaningful consultation process would spell disaster for teacher morale, motivation, commitment and hence effectiveness.
- However, other investors said a difficult Diet session could spell trouble for bonds in the medium-term.
- Staff here say that would spell disaster for hundreds of alcoholics.
- Troubling developments For the reference-service industry, these developments spell trouble.
- Mahmud may have bought time for himself, but he stored up trouble for his successors.
- A fish that comes from slow-moving often murky waters is unlikely to appreciate bright lighting or turbulent filtration.
- A last desperate attempt to escape into the murky waters.
- And instead of heading off into uncharted waters, Shyamalan has positively invited comparisons with his previous opus.
- But then our conversations took a dive into the murky waters of sexuality and jealousy.
- Clearly the 49ers are sailing in uncharted waters.
- I would be chary of anything caught in these murky waters.
- Other career seekers are more interested in venturing into uncharted waters.
- This is useful if you fly by night or live in murky waters.
WORD FAMILYadjectivetroubledtroublesometroublingnountroubleverbtrouble
1worry if a problem troubles you, it makes you feel worried or upset: There is one thing that’s been troubling me. They have been deeply troubled by the allegations. His conscience troubled him.2inconvenience formal to say something or ask someone to do something which may use or waste their time or upset them SYN bother: I promise not to trouble you again.trouble somebody with something I don’t want to trouble the doctor with it. I won’t trouble you with the details.3may I trouble you?/sorry to trouble you spoken formal used when politely asking someone to do something for you or give you something: Sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me the way to the station, please? May I trouble you for the salt?4don’t trouble yourself spoken used to politely tell someone not to help you: Please don’t trouble yourself. I can manage.5not trouble to do something to not do something because it needs too much effort: They never troubled to ask me what I would like. Luke didn’t trouble to hide his disgust.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say not bother to do something rather than not trouble to do something:· They didn’t bother to ask me what I thought.6health problem if a medical problem troubles you, it causes you pain or problems: He is still being troubled by an ankle injury.7cause problems to cause someone problems or difficulties: They look good enough to trouble most teams in the competition.