grapple
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grapple for (something)
To physically struggle to obtain something. I grappled for the ball with one of the players on the other team.
grapple with (someone or something)
1. To physically struggle with someone else to obtain something. I grappled with one of the players on the other team for the ball.
2. To have difficulty in understanding or managing something. We've been grappling with a lot of technical issues since implementing that new computer system.
See also: grapple
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
grapple (with someone) (for something)
to fight or scuffle with someone to get hold of something. The cop grappled with the thief for the gun. He grappled for the gun with Max.
grapple with something
Fig. to deal with a problem; to get a "good hold" on a problem. I have enough to grapple with now. No more problems, please. I cannot grapple with any additional problems.
See also: grapple
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
grapple with
v.
To be engaged with the complications or problems presented by something; struggle with: Some parts of the world are grappling with overpopulation.
See also: grapple
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.