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deal with — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 handle a problemto take action to solve a problem or manage a difficult situation.
  2. 2 be about a topicto be concerned with or focus on a particular subject or issue.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

handle a problem

B1deal with sthMost common

to take action to solve a problem or manage a difficult situation.

She had to deal with a lot of stress at her new job.

A: The washing machine broke again.
B: Ugh, I'll deal with it after dinner.

In my opinion, learning how to deal with difficult people is an important life skill.

Common mistake

✗Don't worry, I'll deal it.

✓Don't worry, I'll deal with it.

Always 'deal WITH' + object — never drop 'with' (bare 'deal' means hand out cards).

Tell it apart

I deal with the suppliers.

handle / manage

The dealer deals the cards.

hand out
Use 'deal with' when talking about facing and managing challenges, issues, or people.Not the same as 'deal' (to give out cards) or 'deal in' (to trade).

Often paired with

deal with + challenge
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2

be about a topic

B2deal with sth

to be concerned with or focus on a particular subject or issue.

The documentary deals with climate change and its effects on wildlife.

A: What's that novel about?
B: It deals with family relationships and forgiveness.

Many university courses deal with topics that are relevant to modern society.

Common mistake

✗The book deals about the war.

✓The book deals with the war.

'Deal WITH' a topic — not 'deal about'.

Tell it apart

The film deals with grief.

is about that subject

The manager dealt with the complaint.

handled / resolved it
Use 'deal with' to describe what a book, film, article, or conversation is mainly about.Not about solving a problem, but about the main subject.

Often paired with

deal with + topic
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handle a problembe about a topic