determine the root of the problem
To find or ascertain the cause of a particular problem or issue. The plumber has determined the root of the problem, and it doesn’t sound too costly to fix, thank goodness. Apparently, the doctor still isn't sure what's wrong with my ankle, so I have to undergo more tests so he can determine the root of the problem. The house is clearly listing, but has the crew determined the root of the problem with the foundation?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*root of the problem
an understanding of the causes or basis of a problem. (*Typically: determine ~; figure out ~; find ~; get to ~; get at ~.) It will take a little more study to get to the root of the problem. Let's stop avoiding the issue and get at the root of the problem.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
bound and determined to
Firmly resolved to, as in
He was bound and determined to finish the assignment before taking on another. This phrase is a redundancy used for emphasis, as
bound and
determined here both mean "resolved to." Also see
bound to.
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.