PhrasesHub

Houston, we have a problem

    Definitions

      • acknowledge a problem or difficulty
        To indicate that there is a significant issue or obstacle that needs to be addressed

      • express surprise or concern
        To convey astonishment or worry about a situation or development

    Examples of Houston, we have a problem

    • The astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) radioed down to Mission Control with the infamous phrase, "Houston, we have a problem."

      This statement, originally uttered by astronaut James Lovell during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, has become an idiom used to describe a sudden, unexpected, and serious issue that requires immediate attention. In this case, the astronauts aboard the ISS encountered a failure with one of their systems, requiring urgent action to mitigate the problem.

    • launching a new product, the marketing team reported to their executive, "Houston, we have a problem. Sales are much lower than we anticipated."

      This idiom can be used to signal a problem or obstacle that has arisen in a professional or business context. In this instance, the marketing team encountered a significant sales shortfall, highlighting a potentially significant issue that required swift remedial action.

    • As the home renovation progressed, the contractor called the client, "Houston, we have a problem. The foundation looks like it's settling."

      This idiom can also be used in the context of a project or undertaking. In this case, the contractor discovered a potential structural issue, which required urgent attention and could lead to significant delays and unexpected costs.

    • During a soccer match, the captain called the referee, "Houston, we have a problem. Our goalkeeper appears to be injured and cannot continue."

      This idiom can be used in a sporting context, signaling an unexpected issue that will likely have a significant impact on the game. In this instance, the team's goalkeeper became unexpectedly injured, leaving the team with a serious problem in defense.

    • The spacecraft's computer malfunctioned, and we're losing vital systems. Houston, we have a problem.

      This example use of the idiom "Houston, we have a problem" follows the original context in which it was coined. It's used by an astronaut communicating with Mission Control back on Earth, signaling that they've encountered a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

    • I thought we had everything we needed for the presentation, but now I realize we're missing some crucial data. Houston, we have a problem.

      This example uses the idiom in a business context, illustrating how it can be used to indicate a sudden and unexpected obstacle that requires a solution.

    • The new software program is supposed to streamline our processes, but it's crashing constantly. Houston, we have a problem.

      This example employs the idiom in a technical context, demonstrating how it can be used to signify a major issue with a new product or system.

    • I promised my sister I'd bring her a birthday gift, but I forgot to buy it at the store. Houston, we have a problem.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a personal context, highlighting how it can be employed in everyday situations to indicate a mistake or oversight.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Houston, we have a problem" is commonly used to acknowledge a problem or express surprise or concern about a situation. It is often used in a light-hearted or humorous way to bring attention to an issue that needs to be dealt with.

    Origin of "Houston, we have a problem"

    The phrase "Houston, we have a problem" gained popularity after it was famously said by astronaut Jack Swigert during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. The spacecraft encountered an oxygen tank explosion, prompting the crew to inform NASA of the critical situation. The phrase has since become a widely recognized expression used to convey the presence of a problem or difficulty. Its association with the dramatic events of the Apollo 13 mission has contributed to its use in popular culture and everyday conversation. The phrase is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner, but it originated from a serious and urgent situation in space exploration.