PhrasesHub

Trouble and strife

    Definitions

      • referring to one's wife
        in a lighthearted or humorous way, to avoid directly saying "wife"

      • conflict or problems
        to describe a situation or relationship that is experiencing difficulties or challenges

    Examples of Trouble and strife

    • The new marketing campaign brought more trouble and strife than benefits to the company.

      In this example, the idiom "trouble and strife" is used to describe a situation where there were negative consequences, such as difficulties and conflicts, as a result of implementing the new marketing strategy.

    • Their relationship has been plagued by trouble and strife for years now.

      Here, the idiom is used to express that the couple has faced numerous problems and disagreements in their relationship over a long period of time.

    • The government's decision to implement a new tax policy has caused trouble and strife among the citizens.

      In this example, the idiom is used to indicate that the policy has led to disputes and difficulties among the people who are affected by it.

    • The sports team's game was filled with trouble and strife from the start, with a string of injuries hampering their performance.

      This example uses the idiom to depict a scenario where the team's game was marked by complications and difficulties from the outset, with a series of injuries affecting their ability to play effectively.

    • "John's marriage was filled with trouble and strife, as his wife was constantly criticizing him and causing conflicts."

      In this example, "trouble and strife" are used to describe the negative and conflict-filled atmosphere in John's marriage. The phrase "filled with" is followed by the idiom, which adds emphasis to the state of the marriage.

    • "The construction of the new highway caused trouble and strife among the local residents, who protested against the noise and pollution created by the project."

      Here, "trouble and strife" refer to the disputes and conflicts that arose as a result of the construction project's impact on the local community. The phrase "caused" links the idiom to the construction project and illustrates the negative consequences it had on the area.

    • "The company's decision to lay off employees was met with trouble and strife, as many workers staged protests and went on strike to demand better treatment."

      This example connects "trouble and strife" to a specific event, the company's decision to lay off employees, and highlights the resulting dissent and escalated conflict.

    • "The sweltering heat wave brought trouble and strife for farmers, as their crops withered and they faced financial hardships."

      In this example, "trouble and strife" are used to describe the hardships and difficulties faced by farmers during the heat wave, specifically referring to the negative economic impact it had on them.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "trouble and strife" can be used in two different ways. It can either refer to one's wife in a lighthearted manner, or it can be used to describe conflict and problems in a situation or relationship.

    Origin of "Trouble and strife"

    The origin of the idiom "trouble and strife" can be traced back to Cockney rhyming slang, a form of slang that originated in the East End of London. In Cockney rhyming slang, words are replaced with phrases that rhyme with the original words. In this case, "trouble and strife" rhymes with "wife." Over time, the phrase has been adopted into mainstream English and is now used to refer to one's wife in a playful way.

    The second meaning of the idiom, which refers to conflict and problems, likely originated from the idea of marriage or relationships being sources of trouble and strife. This usage has become more widespread and is now commonly used to describe any situation or relationship that is experiencing difficulties or challenges.