borrow trouble: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘borrow trouble’ mean?
The idiom "borrow trouble" means to unnecessarily create or invite problems or difficulties.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "in the hole" means to be in debt or in a difficult financial situation. It is often used to describe a person or a company that owes money and is struggling to repay it.
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Decoding 'Borrow Trouble'
Borrow trouble is an idiom used in American English. It advises against unnecessarily worrying or creating problems for oneself.
The phrase "borrow trouble" comes from the longer expression "borrowing trouble," which was used in the late 19th century. The exact origin of this longer expression is unknown, but it may have evolved from idiomatic expressions like "looking for trouble" or "making trouble."
Today, "borrow trouble" is typically used in the negative form, advising someone not to "borrow trouble." This means avoiding unnecessary worry or complications by imagining or anticipating problems that may never actually occur.
The idiom "borrow trouble" is related to several other idioms. For instance, "get into trouble" is used to describe a situation where someone finds themselves in a difficult or problematic situation. When someone "borrows trouble," they are actively seeking or creating problems for themselves without any real reason, which can lead them to "get into trouble."
Another related idiom is "give someone grief," which means to cause someone trouble or distress. When someone "borrows trouble," they are also likely to "give themselves grief" by unnecessarily worrying or creating problems in their own mind.
The idiom "borrow trouble" is also related to the expression "come to grief." When someone "comes to grief," they experience failure or difficulties. By "borrowing trouble," individuals may increase their chances of "coming to grief" because they are unnecessarily preoccupied with negative possibilities instead of focusing on current tasks or responsibilities.
Furthermore, "borrow trouble" can be related to the expression "fish in troubled waters." This idiom is used to describe someone who takes advantage of a difficult or chaotic situation for their own benefit. When someone "borrows trouble," they are essentially "fishing in troubled waters" by creating unnecessary problems or worries for themselves, even if there is no real benefit to doing so.
Lastly, "borrow trouble" is connected to the idiom "lend a hand." This expression is used to describe helping or assisting someone in need. When someone "borrows trouble," they are not actively seeking assistance or looking for solutions to their worries or problems. By refusing to "lend a hand" to themselves, they may perpetuate their own negative mindset and distress.
While the exact phrase "borrow trouble" may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, its meaning is widely recognized and understood by English speakers in the United States. It is often used in informal discussions, as well as in various forms of literature, including novels, newspapers, and magazines.
Due to its clear and concise message, "borrow trouble" continues to be a valuable idiom in American English. It offers a simple but essential reminder to avoid unnecessary worry and focus on the present moment. The idiom allows room for individual interpretation and application, prompting individuals to reflect on how they personally "borrow trouble" in their own lives and consider where they can avoid doing so.
Example usage
Examples:
- 1. You shouldn't borrow trouble by constantly worrying about what might go wrong.
- 2. Don't borrow trouble by assuming that the problem will escalate without any evidence.
- 3. She is always borrowing trouble by overthinking every little decision she has to make.
The idiom "borrow trouble" is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily adds worry or stress to their life by anticipating or imagining problems that may not actually exist. It is a metaphorical phrase that suggests that one should not "borrow" or take on trouble that is not already present.
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