circumstance (redirected from circumstances)

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.

See also: case

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.

See also: reduce

under certain circumstances and under certain conditions

Fig. 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.

See also: certain

under no circumstances and not under any circumstances

Fig. 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.

---

in reduced circumstances  (slightly formal)

if someone, especially someone from a high social class, is in reduced circumstances, they have a lot less money than they did before They found him living in reduced circumstances in a flat off Fulham Road.

See also: reduce

pomp and circumstance

formal ceremony The royal visit was accompanied by all the usual pomp and circumstance.

See also: and

---

under certain circumstances

because of particular conditions Your insurance will pay for that surgery, but only under certain circumstances, for example if it's an emergency.

See also: certain

under no circumstances

not for any reason Abby's mother said that under no circumstances could Abby go out with her pals.

under the circumstances also under these circumstances

because of the particular situation Going to see the scene of the explosion was, under the circumstances, a really stupid thing to do. The storm was very dangerous, so under the circumstances I think we were lucky to have had only one tree blown down.

Usage notes: also used in the form under those circumstances: There is an ongoing investigation, and under those circumstances, it wouldn't be right for me to comment.