by circumstance
Owing to or dictated by certain conditions. Yeah, it's a great school, but I went there partly by circumstance—they gave me the most scholarship money. With a great location on the main drag, I suspect this store will attract a lot of foot traffic simply by circumstance. Yeah, she was my assigned roommate, but even though we were brought together by circumstance, we became really good friends.
by force of circumstance(s)
Due to conditions or events over which one has little or no control. Many people in the region go into farming by force of circumstance. There just aren't any other opportunities available to them. The economic crisis has, by force of circumstances, led to much stronger regulations of the financial industry. Believe me, I only live in this ramshackle old place by force of circumstance, not by choice. It's all I can afford.
circumstances alter cases
proverb Unique circumstances can spur unconventional action. I know offering such a big refund isn't protocol, but it's for the CEO's grandmother, and circumstances alter cases. A: "I thought you wanted me to handle this case." B: "That was before the boss specifically asked me to take it on. Circumstances alter cases, you know." I didn't realize that, with this change of department, you'd be reporting to your mother. Circumstances alter cases, and you're now reporting to me, got it?
comfortable circumstances
The state of having enough money to live well. We used to have barely enough money to pay rent, but ever since Pat got that promotion, we've been living in comfortable circumstances. Your days of living in comfortable circumstances are over, pal—welcome to prison. A: "We need to have better jobs before we even think about having kids." B: "I agree, a child deserves to be raised in comfortable circumstances."
extenuating circumstances
A non-specific reason that excuses something that would otherwise be troublesome or problematic. All I heard was that the professor gave her an extension on her term paper due to extenuating circumstances. Don't let other people convince you that questionable actions are acceptable under extenuating circumstances. A: "Yes, I did leave the party early, due to extenuating circumstances." B: "Like your ex showing up?"
force of circumstance
A situation over which one has little or no control and is thus forced to take certain actions. Don't tell me that you started drinking as a force of circumstance—there are plenty of other choices you could have made. But you have your own brain, which means you never have to do what your idiot friends are doing as a force of circumstance! I'm only asking you guys for money as a force of circumstance—I never expected to be laid off.
in bad circumstances
In a negative, unpleasant situation, especially financially. I'm glad to hear those kids are getting some help—they've been in bad circumstances since their mother died. Are we in bad circumstances, Pop? Is the bank going to take the house? The business is in bad circumstances, I'm afraid. I just don't have the money to keep it going.
in good circumstances
In a positive, pleasant situation, especially financially. After all of that employee turnover, it seems that the department is finally back in good circumstances again. Please try not to worry. Now that I've got a job, we'll be in good circumstances again in no time. Money was tight for a while there, but the wife and I are back in good circumstances, thanks to my promotion at work.
in no circumstances
Never; in no case or situation; irrespective of events or conditions. In no circumstances are you allowed to drive home after you've had more than one drink! I'm sorry for my sudden resignation, but in no circumstances will I work for some sexist manager like him. The defendant has a long history of violent, psychopathic behavior and should be in no circumstances allowed to remain free.
in reduced circumstances
At a much lower level of income or financial means. The one-time business tycoon has now been living in reduced circumstances in a small village in Norway. Now that we're in reduced circumstances, we live in a much smaller house in a rougher part of town. We'll never be able to keep a property of this size once we're in reduced circumstances.
in the circumstances
Due to the conditions or particular situation; such as the case is. Of course we wish that we could pay each employee a proper Christmas bonus, but in the circumstances, that is just not feasible. I'm sorry for my sudden resignation, but I'm afraid that, in the circumstances, I just can't work here any longer. A: "In the circumstances, I think she's handling things pretty well." B: "I know, she's experienced a lot of upheaval in a short period of time."
not under any circumstance(s)
At no time; never; for no reason whatsoever. No child of mine is going to become a lawyer—not under any circumstances! A: "Would you ever consider joining one of our committees in the future?" B: "No, not under any circumstance." Fans are not allowed backstage under any circumstances!
pomp and circumstance
Celebration accompanied by traditional formalities and ceremony. Please, there's no need for all this pomp and circumstance. I'm just an ordinary guest who has come to enjoy the performance like everyone else. In the wake of the tragedy, the Queen's trip was not accompanied by the usual pomp and circumstance.
reduced circumstances
A much lower level of income or financial means than one is used to. The one-time business tycoon has now been living in reduced circumstances in a small village in Norway. Our reduced circumstances have meant moving into a much smaller house in a rougher part of town.
through force of circumstance(s)
Due to conditions or events over which one has little or no control. Many people in the region go into farming through force of circumstance. There just aren't any other opportunities available to them. The economic crisis has, through force of circumstances, led to much stronger regulations of the financial industry.
under certain circumstances
In certain situations. I let my kids sleep with me in my bedroom under certain circumstance, like if they've had a nightmare.
under no circumstances
At no time; never. Under no circumstances will I allow you to go to a party on a school night.
under normal circumstances
According to the way things normally happen, occur, or unfold. Under normal circumstances, applications should take two to three weeks to process, but we are experiencing an unusually high volume of applicants at the moment. I'd usually start with recommending a change in diet and lifestyle under normal circumstances, but considering how severe the condition is I think we need to look at more drastic treatment options.
under the circumstances
In consideration of what is currently happening. Under the circumstances, I think you should rest—you are just getting over a cold, after all. Under the circumstances, I think we could consider ourselves lucky—it could have been a lot worse.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Circumstances alter cases.
Prov. In unusual situations, people are allowed to do unusual things. Cashier: I'm sorry, this store does not accept personal checks. Customer: But I need this medicine, and I don't have any cash. I've shopped at this store for fifteen years. Surely you can trust me this once. Cashier: Well, all right. Circumstances alter cases.
extenuating circumstances
special (but otherwise unspecified) circumstances that account for an irregular or improper way of doing something. Mary was permitted to arrive late because of extenuating circumstances. Due to extenuating circumstances, the teacher will not meet with the class today.
in reduced circumstances
Euph. in poverty. After Frederick lost his position, we lived in reduced circumstances while waiting for my inheritance.
under certain circumstances
and under certain conditionsFig. depending on or influenced by something; because of something. Under certain conditions, you can see across the lake to the other side. Under certain circumstances, what you propose to do is all right.
under no circumstances
and not under any circumstancesFig. absolutely never. Andy: Under no circumstances will I ever go back there again! Rachel: Why? What happened? Sue: Can I talk you into serving as a referee again? Mary: Heavens, no! Not under any circumstances!
under normal circumstances
Fig. normally; usually; typically. "We'd be able to keep the dog at home under normal circumstances," said Mary to the vet. "Under normal circumstances you'd be able to return to work in a week," explained the doctor.
under the circumstances
Fig. in a particular situation; because of the circumstances. I'm sorry to hear that you're ill. Under the circumstances, you may take the day off. We won't expect you to come to work for a few days, under the circumstances.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
extenuating circumstances
A situation or condition that provides an excuse for an action, as in Although Nancy missed three crucial rehearsals, there were extenuating circumstances, so she was not dismissed . This expression was originally legal terminology, denoting circumstances that partly excuse a crime and therefore call for less punishment or damages. [c. 1600]
under any circumstances
under the circumstances
Also, in the circumstances. Given these conditions, such being the case, as in Under the circumstances we can't leave Mary out. This idiom uses circumstance in the sense of "a particular situation," a usage dating from the late 1300s. It may also be modified in various ways, such as under any circumstances meaning "no matter what the situation," as in We'll phone her under any circumstances; under no circumstances, meaning "in no case, never," as in Under no circumstances may you smoke; under any other circumstances, meaning "in a different situation," as in I can't work under any other circumstances; and under the same circumstances, meaning "given the same situation," as in Under the same circumstances anyone would have done the same.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.