contend with a problem

contend with (someone or something)

1. To compete against someone. Andy hasn't trained enough to contend with other swimmers his age. If you push him to enter this race, he'll just end up disappointed. Wait, I have to contend with a hundred applicants for this job? Oh man. I don't have high hopes if we have to contend with a mega corporation like FlemCo. for the contract.

2. To struggle against or work to solve a problem or issue. I'm not ready to contend with that problem just yet—I need coffee first. How can we contend with these huge financial losses and still stay in business? Well, if your new company has to contend with bad press, it certainly isn't going to help things.

See also: contend

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

contend with a problem

to put up with a difficulty; to struggle with the problems caused by someone or something. I cannot contend with your temper anymore. I wish we did not have to contend with this changeable weather.

See also: contend, problem

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.