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Troublemaking Vocabulary Set in Difficulty: Full and Detailed List

The 'Troublemaking' vocabulary set in 'Difficulty' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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dig yourself into a hole

/dɪɡ jərˈsɛlf ˈɪntu ə hoʊl/

Example:

By lying to his boss, he just dug himself into a hole.

be a recipe for disaster

/bi ə ˈrɛs.ə.pi fɔr dɪˈzæs.tər/

Example:

Mixing those two chemicals could be a recipe for disaster.

rock the boat

/rɑk ðə boʊt/

Example:

I don't want to rock the boat, but I think we need to address this issue.

can of worms

/kæn əv wɜrmz/

Example:

Opening up that old dispute would be opening a real can of worms.

the fat is in the fire

/ðə fæt ɪz ɪn ðə faɪər/

Example:

When she found out he lied, the fat was in the fire.

hornet's nest

/ˈhɔːr.nɪts ˌnest/

Example:

Be careful not to disturb the hornet's nest in the attic.

a (heavy) cross to bear

/ə ˈhɛvi krɔs tə bɛr/

Example:

Her chronic illness has been a heavy cross to bear for the entire family.

go through the mill

/ɡoʊ θruː ðə mɪl/

Example:

He really went through the mill during his first year at the company.

(the) shit hits the fan

/ðə ʃɪt hɪts ðə fæn/

Example:

When the news of the scandal broke, the shit hit the fan.

spell trouble

/spɛl ˈtrʌb.əl/

Example:

His constant tardiness could spell trouble for his job.
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