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suffer

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suffer a setback

to have a minor or temporary failure. We suffered a setback when much of our vineyard was damaged by a fungus.

See also: suffer

suffer an attack

 (of an illness)

1. Go to an attack (of an illness).

See also: attack, suffer

suffer from something

to endure or experience unpleasantness, a disease, or a health condition. Jeff is suffering from the flu. I'm afraid that you must suffer from the disease until it has run its course. Toby is really suffering from the cold.

See also: suffer

suffer under someone

to endure the punishments or bad treatment of someone. The citizens suffered badly under the rule of the cruel king. We suffered under Carlos and we will suffer under his successor.

See also: suffer

suffer the consequences

to experience the effects of something you have said or done The witness decided to tell the truth and suffer the consequences.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form take the consequences: Sometimes we have to take the consequences for our beliefs.

See also: consequence, suffer

not suffer fools (gladly)

to be unwilling to deal with stupid people Phyllis is intelligent and impatient, and she does not suffer fools gladly.

See also: fool, not, suffer

not suffer fools gladly

to become angry with people you think are stupid Jim's a fair boss, but he doesn't suffer fools gladly.

See also: fool, gladly, suffer

not suffer fools gladly

Refuse to tolerate stupidity, as in Chris can be intimidating at these meetings; she does not suffer fools gladly. This expression comes from the New Testament (II Corinthians 11:19), where Paul sarcastically says, "For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise." [c. 1600]

See also: fool, gladly, not, suffer

suffer from

v.

To be sick with or afflicted by some condition: I suffer from many different allergies. The country is suffering from a drought.

See also: suffer