problem



one-banana problem

A problem, project, or task that requires little to no effort, expertise, or intelligence to solve or complete. Supposedly from the notion that a trained monkey could do what is required. A: "We have to add in some code so that users are able to remain logged into the website, even if they visit other pages." B: "No worries, that's a one-banana problem."
See also: problem

a problem shared is a problem halved

Talking about a problem with someone else usually makes it seem less daunting or troubling. Just tell me what's bothering you, honey. You know what they say—a problem shared is a problem halved.
See also: halve, problem, share

problem child

1. A child who is prone to wild or disobedient behavior. I know it's hard to believe now that he's a successful lawyer, but Timmy was a total problem child and constantly got into trouble! Debbie just keeps misbehaving no matter what we do—do you have any suggestions for dealing with a problem child?
2. One aspect of a company that is not performing as well as others. At this point, our retail store has become such a problem child that management is probably going to close it down before it bankrupts us.
3. A product that requires a lot of attention and funding in order to be successful. I know you all see this book as a problem child, but I really do think that it can a bestseller with the right marketing approach.
See also: child, problem

first world problem

slang A frivolous issue or problem that is only a source of great concern or frustration because the speaker lives in an economically-developed country; a minor issue compared to the hardships faced by those living in so-called "third world" countries. A: "I can't believe the Wi-Fi is down. What am I supposed to do if I can't watch Netflix?" B: "Hello first world problems!" I just got back from a service trip to Haiti, and things I was worried about before I left just seem like first world problems now.
See also: first, problem, world

cash flow problem

a lack of hard currency. My real estate business has a temporary cash flow problem. Due to his cash flow problem, he was unable to pay his employees that month.
See also: cash, flow, problem

contend with a problem

to put up with a difficulty; to struggle with the problems caused by someone or something. I cannot contend with your temper anymore. I wish we did not have to contend with this changeable weather.
See also: contend, problem

for all someone's problems

in spite of a person's problems (as specified). For all her complaining, she still seems to be a happy person. For all my aches and pains, I'm still rather healthy.
See also: all, problem

have a weight problem

Euph. to be fat; to be overweight. He had a weight problem when he was a teenager, but he slimmed down once he started exercising. She has a weight problem, but she's a lovely woman.
See also: have, problem, weight

have an alcohol problem

 and have a drinking problem
Euph. to be a drunkard. He has an alcohol problem. It got so bad that he almost lost his job. If you have a drinking problem, our clinic can help.
See also: have, problem

(I have) no problem with that.

That is okay with me. (See also No problem.) Bob: Is it okay if I sign us up to play mixed doubles? Sally: I have no problem with that. Bill: It looks as though we will have to come back later. They're not open yet. Is that all right? Jane: No problem with that. When do they open?
See also: problem

no sweat

 and no problem
Inf. no difficulty; do not worry. Of course I can have your car repaired by noon. No sweat. You'd like a red one? No problem.
See also: sweat

*root of the problem

an understanding of the causes or basis of a problem. (*Typically: determine ~; figure out ~; find ~; get to ~; get at ~.) It will take a little more study to get to the root of the problem. Let's stop avoiding the issue and get at the root of the problem.
See also: of, problem, root

(that causes) no problem

That will not cause a problem for me or anyone else. (No problem is informal.) Mary: Do you mind waiting for just a little while? Bob: No problem. Sue: Does this block your light? Can you still read? Jane: That causes no problem.
See also: problem

What's the problem?

 
1. Lit. What problem are you presenting to me? Bill (coming in): I need to talk to you about something. Tom: What's the problem, Bill? "What's the problem?" said Mary, peering at her secretary over her glasses.
2. Inf. a question asking what the problem is and implying that there should not be a problem. Child (crying): He hit me! Father: What's the problem? Child: He hit me! Father: Are you hurt? Child: No. Father: Then stop crying. Bob: Hi, Fred. Fred: What's the problem? Bob: There's no problem. Why do you ask? Fred: I've had nothing but problems today.

no problem

(spoken)
1. I can easily do what you have asked You can just call and say a€?I need a babysitter tonighta€? and we'll send one out, no problem.
2. I am not upset by this a€?I'm sorry, but we need to go home now.a€? a€?No problem.a€?
3. I was happy to do it you're welcome a€?I put some lettuce and tomato on the sandwich.a€? a€?Oh, thank you.a€? a€?No problem.a€?
Usage notes: usually said in answer to thank you
See also: problem

work the problem

to actively try different solutions The mayor has named a committee to work the problem of downtown parking.
See also: problem, work

no sweat

(spoken)
there is no problem or difficulty We'll be back by six, no sweat, but if there's a problem, we'll call you.
See also: sweat

teething problems/troubles

problems that you experience in the early stages of an activity
Usage notes: When babies are teething (= getting their first set of teeth) they are often in pain and cry a lot.
There were the usual teething troubles at the start of the project, but that's to be expected. Many marriages go through teething problems in the first few months.
See also: problem, teething

no problem

1. Also, no sweat; not to worry. There's no difficulty about this, don't concern yourself. For example, Of course I can change your tire-no problem, or You want more small change? no sweat, or We'll be there in plenty of time, not to worry. The first of these colloquial terms dates from about 1960 and the second from about 1950. The third, originating in Britain in the 1930s and using not to with the sense of "don't," crossed the Atlantic in the 1970s.
2. You're welcome, as in Thanks for the ride, Dad.-No problem. [Late 1900s]
See also: problem

no sweat

see under no problem.
See also: sweat

No problem

1. and No prob and NP phr. All is well.; There is no problem, so don’t worry or fret. (Often said after someone else says I’m sorry.) No problem. I can do it easily. A: Gee! I’m sorry! B: No prob.
2. phr. you are welcome. (Sometimes said after someone else says thank you.) A: Thanks a lot. B: No problem.
See also: problem

no sweat

interj. no problem; Don’t worry; it is no problem. It’s no big deal. No sweat.
See also: sweat

no problem

1. Used to express confirmation of or compliance with a request.
2. Used to acknowledge an expression of gratitude.
See also: problem

no sweat

Slang
1. Easily done or handled.
2. Used to acknowledge an expression of gratitude.
See also: sweat

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Javaid-Urdu
Alte (1)-Yiddish
Shona-Scottish
Joannes-Late Roman
RandalRAN-dəlEnglish
Gundisalvus-Ancient Germanic (Latinized)