come to grips
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To confront and begin to deal with a difficult or challenging situation, problem, or emotion: It means to face something demanding directly and start to understand, accept, or manage it effectively.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the process of engaging with a significant difficulty, often one that is complex, emotional, or abstract. It implies a transition from avoidance or confusion to a state of active management or acceptance.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a connotation of struggle and effort. It is not used for simple, routine tasks.
- It is frequently followed by the preposition "with" to introduce the specific problem or subject.
- Common in both personal/emotional contexts (e.g., grief, change) and professional/practical contexts (e.g., a complex task, a new system).
Variants and Related Words
- Come to terms with: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, especially for emotional acceptance.
- He needed time to come to terms with his failure.
- Grapple with: Suggests a more intense, ongoing struggle.
- Scientists are grappling with the ethical implications of the discovery.
Synonyms
- Confront
- Deal with
- Face up to
- Tackle
- Address
Related Idioms
- Get a grip on (something): To gain understanding or control over a situation.
- I need to get a grip on my schedule. (Note: "Get a grip" alone can also mean to control one's emotions.)
- Wrap one's head around (something): To understand something complex or surprising.
- I can't wrap my head around these new regulations yet.
Verb
- deal with (a problem or a subject)
- I still have not come to grips with the death of my parents