problems

Idioms (11)

• the tip of the iceberg Neutral · CEFR B2
  a small visible part of a much larger hidden problem or situation
• a hot potato Informal · CEFR B2
  A controversial or awkward issue that no one wants to deal with.
• get out of hand Neutral · CEFR B1
  To become impossible to control.
• the elephant in the room Neutral · CEFR B2
  an obvious and important problem that everyone notices but avoids discussing
• a storm in a teacup Neutral · CEFR C1
  A great deal of fuss made about a trivial matter.
• can of worms Informal · CEFR B1
  a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched
• when it rains it pours Informal · CEFR C1
  when problems come, they come all at once
• a tough nut to crack Neutral · CEFR C1
  a hard problem to solve or a hard person to convince
• go pear-shaped Informal · CEFR C1
  to go wrong, to fail in an awkward way
• in a pickle Informal · CEFR B2
  in a difficult or embarrassing situation
• nip it in the bud Neutral · CEFR B2
  to stop a problem at an early stage