problem

teething problems/troubles

problems that you experience in the early stages of an activity. There were the usual teething troubles at the start of the project, but that's to be expected. Many marriages go through teething problems in the first few months.

See also: trouble

a whale of a [bill/difference/problem etc.] (American & Australian)

a very large bill, difference, problem etc.. Another thousand dollars would make a whale of a difference. We ran up a whale of a bill in the restaurant.

See also: bill, difference, whale

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no problem

1. I can easily do what you have asked. You can just call and say “I need a babysitter tonight” and we'll send one out, no problem.

2. I am not upset by this. “I'm sorry, but we need to go home now.” “No problem.”

3. I was happy to do it. “I put some lettuce and tomato on the sandwich.” “Oh, thank you.” “No problem.”

Usage notes: usually said in answer to thank you

work the problem

to actively try different solutions. The mayor has named a committee to work the problem of downtown parking.

See also: work