When a project goes sideways B1
Something's gone wrong, a problem's cropped up, and now you've got to sort it out before it all falls apart.
A problem crops up
run into C1 — encounter difficultiesA: How's the renovation going?
B: We ran into some unexpected issues with the wiring, so it's taking longer than planned.
come up — arise (of a problem, opportunity, or situation)A: Are you still coming to dinner tonight?
B: I hope so, unless something comes up at the last minute.
come up against B2 — face a difficult situation or problemA: How's your project going?
B: It's tough—we've come up against some unexpected issues with the software.
fall apart B2 — fail or collapse as a planA: How did the event go?
B: It fell apart—half the volunteers didn't show up.
Sorting it out
sort out B2 — solve a problemA: The internet isn't working again.
B: I'll call the company and try to sort it out.
iron out B2 — solve or remove problems or difficultiesA: There were some issues with the schedule, but we managed to iron them out.
B: That's a relief. I was worried it would delay everything.
get around B2 — avoid a problemA: The website blocks downloads from my country.
B: Did you find a way to get around that? A: Yes, I used a VPN.
look into — investigateA: My internet keeps cutting out. Can you help?
B: Sure, I'll look into it and see what's going on.
Owning up
mess up — make a mistakeA: Did you finish the report?
B: I tried, but I messed up the numbers and have to start over.
slip up — make a mistakeA: Did you finish the report?
B: I did, but I slipped up on the last section and had to fix it.
take responsibility — accept duty or blameA: The report has some mistakes. Who will fix them?
B: I'll take responsibility and correct everything today.
accept responsibility — take blameA: Who broke the printer?
B: I did. I accept responsibility—it was my fault.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
deal with — handle a problemA: The washing machine broke again.
B: Ugh, I'll deal with it after dinner.
face a challenge — deal with a difficult situationA: How's your new job going?
B: It's good, but I definitely face a challenge with the long hours.
Going furtherB2 · once the core feels easy
rule out B2 — to decide that something is not possible or not suitableA: Do you think we could go hiking this weekend?
B: I have to work Saturday, so I think we can rule that out.
set back B2 — delay progressA: How's your assignment going?
B: I was making good progress, but getting sick really set me back.
set aside B2 — ignore or not considerA: I’m still upset about what happened.
B: I understand, but maybe we should set that aside for now and focus on the task.
overcome obstacles B2 — get past problemsA: Was it hard moving to a new country?
B: Yes, but I managed to overcome the obstacles and settle in.
We've hit a snag
Dan: We've run into a problem with the supplier — they can't deliver till next week.
Sarah: Of course something's come up. Right, let's sort out a backup plan.
Dan: I'll look into other suppliers this afternoon.
Sarah: Good. Let's not let the whole thing fall apart over this.
Owning the mistake
Liam: I think I've messed up the invoice — the totals don't add up.
Nina: Don't panic. Everyone slips up now and then. Let's iron out the errors together.
Liam: Thanks. I'll put my hand up and ring the client to explain.
Nina: Good lad. They'll appreciate the honesty.
Finding a fix
Asha: The system keeps crashing. Have we got to the bottom of it yet?
Rob: Not really — but we've managed to get around the worst of it for now.
Asha: Fine, as long as we can deal with it properly next week.