Ы what you say when you are explaining about a problem
Qthe trouble is/tke problem is
/бэ '[глЫ! iz, бэ 'ргоЫэт iz||-'pro:-/ 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.
+ that The problem is that we can't
really afford the plane fare.
the trouble/problem with sth is The
trouble with using credit cards is that it 's so easy to get into debt.
Qthe thing is <Ъ 'Hit] iz 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.
violence was started by a small group of troublemakers.
difficult/awkward difik^lt, o:kword
adj] someone who is difficult or awkward causes a lot of problems, because they behave in an unreasonable or unhelpful way: Daren's always been such и difficult child.
587
PROMISE
+ about She's being really aiukward about the divorce.
what you say to ask someone about a problem
Qwhat's wrong?/what's the matter? .wots 'nor). ,wots йэ тгШг|| -'ш]-/ spoken say this when you are asking someone what is causing a problem, for example why they are upset, or why a machine will not work: What's the matter? Vou look as if you 'ue been crying. + with What's wrong with the TV?
QwKat's up? /,wnts чр/ SPOKEN INFORMAL
say this when you are asking someone if there is a problem that they want to talk about: "Karen, can / talk to you for a minute?" 'What's up?" what's up with sb? (=say this when someone seems to have a problem) What's up with Larry today?
azwhat's the problem? unts гЪ
ргоЫэтЦ-'рга:- spoken say this when you are asking why someone cannot do something or why something will not work '7 can't finish the last question.' "Why? What's the problem?"
+ with Wha/'s the problem with the
coffee machine this time?
Odo you have a problem with
that? /,du: ju: hsev э probbm wifl ta|| -'pra:-/ spoken, especially american say this to ask someone if they are unhappy about something you just said or suggested, because they think it may cause problems for them: "So you think we should let Karen borrow the car?" "Yeah, do you have a problem with that?"
someone who causes a lot of problems
troublemaker /ЧглЬДте1кэг [n C] someone who deliberately causes problems, especially by complaining a lot or trying to make people fight or argue: The
PROMISE
D
to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen
see also agree a
to promise something
promise /'promts('pro:- [и IfX] to tell
someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do or expect you to do: "/ can't take you to the beach today," "But you promisedГ + (that) Hurry up, we promised we wouldn't be late. I He promised that he wouldn't tell anyone about our secret. promise to do sth The government has promised to investigate why the accident happened.
promise sb (that) Harper promised her he would get the money somehow.
assure з|оэг [v T] to tell someone that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, so thai they are less worried assure sb (that) The doctor assured me that I wouldn't feel any pain. I The airline has assured travellers there will be no further delays.
give sb your word ,giv (sb) W3:rd to promise someone very seriously and sincerely that you will do something: I have to go and meet her. I've given her my word.
+ (that) Phil gave me his word that he wouldn't ever take drugs again.
guarantee gaersnti:/ (и T] to say that something will definitely happen, or will definitely be provided, especially when you feel very certain about this + (that) Can you guarantee that there won't be any job losses when the company is taken over? I It's a great movie - I guarantee you'll enjoy it. guarantee sth The authorities could not guarantee the safety of UN observers. I Companies can no longer guarantee 'jobs for life'
guarantee sb sth Have you been guaranteed a place in the team?
swear /swe9r [v T] make a very serious promise, especially publicly or in a law court
+ (that) During the ceremony you swear
that you will serve the country loyally.
swear to sb (that) Swear to me that you
will never mention it again.
swear to do sth Do you swear to tell the
truth?
swearing - swore - have sworn
Q a promise
promise /'prorn^sl'pra:-/ [n С] a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do + of The refugees are relying on promises of food and aid from the West. make a promise I made a promise to help her, and that's what I'm going to do. promise to do sth She seemed to have forgotten her promise to drive us to the airport.
+ that He left with a promise that he
would be back before six.
keep a promise (=do what you have
promised) I said I would take her out, so
I have to keep my promise.
break a promise (=not do what you have
promised) She never forgave her father
for breaking his promise.
U what you say when you promise something
C^l promise /ai 'promj)s||-pra:-i spokln "Promise me you'll write to me." "I promise."
+ (that) / promise / won't forget.