Circumstance

in the circumstances

Due to the conditions or particular situation; such as the case is. Of course we wish that we could pay each employee a proper Christmas bonus, but in the circumstances, that is just not feasible. I'm sorry for my sudden resignation, but I'm afraid that, in the circumstances, I just can't work here any longer.

See also: circumstance

in no circumstances

Never; in no case or situation; irrespective of events or conditions. In no circumstances are you allowed to drive home after you've had more than one drink! I'm sorry for my sudden resignation, but in no circumstances will I work for some sexist manager like him.

See also: circumstance

comfortable circumstances

The state of having enough money to live well. We used to have barely enough money to pay rent, but ever since Pat got that promotion, we've been living in comfortable circumstances.

Circumstances alter cases.

Prov. In unusual situations, people are allowed to do unusual things. Cashier: I'm sorry, this store does not accept personal checks. Customer: But I need this medicine, and I don't have any cash. I've shopped at this store for fifteen years. Surely you can trust me this once. Cashier: Well, all right. Circumstances alter cases.

extenuating circumstances

special (but otherwise unspecified) circumstances that account for an irregular or improper way of doing something. Mary was permitted to arrive late because of extenuating circumstances. Due to extenuating circumstances, the teacher will not meet with the class today.

See also: circumstance

in reduced circumstances

Euph. in poverty. After Frederick lost his position, we lived in reduced circumstances while waiting for my inheritance.

under certain circumstances

and under certain conditions

Fig. depending on or influenced by something; because of something. Under certain conditions, you can see across the lake to the other side. Under certain circumstances, what you propose to do is all right.

under no circumstances

and not under any circumstances

Fig. absolutely never. Andy: Under no circumstances will I ever go back there again! Rachel: Why? What happened? Sue: Can I talk you into serving as a referee again? Mary: Heavens, no! Not under any circumstances!

See also: circumstance

under normal circumstances

Fig. normally; usually; typically. "We'd be able to keep the dog at home under normal circumstances," said Mary to the vet. "Under normal circumstances you'd be able to return to work in a week," explained the doctor.

under the circumstances

Fig. in a particular situation; because of the circumstances. I'm sorry to hear that you're ill. Under the circumstances, you may take the day off. We won't expect you to come to work for a few days, under the circumstances.

See also: circumstance

under certain circumstances

because of particular conditions Your insurance will pay for that surgery, but only under certain circumstances, for example if it's an emergency.

under no circumstances

not for any reason Abby's mother said that under no circumstances could Abby go out with her pals.

See also: circumstance

under the circumstances

also under these circumstances

because of the particular situation Going to see the scene of the explosion was, under the circumstances, a really stupid thing to do. The storm was very dangerous, so under the circumstances I think we were lucky to have had only one tree blown down.

Usage notes: also used in the form under those circumstances: There is an ongoing investigation, and under those circumstances, it wouldn't be right for me to comment.

See also: circumstance

pomp and circumstance

formal ceremony The royal visit was accompanied by all the usual pomp and circumstance.

in reduced circumstances

(slightly formal)

if someone, especially someone from a high social class, is in reduced circumstances, they have a lot less money than they did before They found him living in reduced circumstances in a flat off Fulham Road.

extenuating circumstances

A situation or condition that provides an excuse for an action, as in Although Nancy missed three crucial rehearsals, there were extenuating circumstances, so she was not dismissed . This expression was originally legal terminology, denoting circumstances that partly excuse a crime and therefore call for less punishment or damages. [c. 1600]

See also: circumstance

under any circumstances

Also, under no circumstances. See under the circumstances.

under the circumstances

Also, in the circumstances. Given these conditions, such being the case, as in Under the circumstances we can't leave Mary out. This idiom uses circumstance in the sense of "a particular situation," a usage dating from the late 1300s. It may also be modified in various ways, such as under any circumstances meaning "no matter what the situation," as in We'll phone her under any circumstances; under no circumstances, meaning "in no case, never," as in Under no circumstances may you smoke; under any other circumstances, meaning "in a different situation," as in I can't work under any other circumstances; and under the same circumstances, meaning "given the same situation," as in Under the same circumstances anyone would have done the same.

See also: circumstance

under no circumstances

In no case; never.

See also: circumstance

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Giraldo	-	Italian
Iida	EE:-dah	Finnish
Boykin	['bɔikin]
Denton	DEN-tən	English
Gaynor	GAY-nawr	English (British)
Knut	KNOOT (German)	Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German