engine-trouble

Definition

Noun: - A mechanical malfunction or failure in the engine of a vehicle (especially a car or aircraft), causing it to operate improperly or stop working entirely.

Usage Examples

• (A malfunction in the aircraft's engine.)
• (A problem with the car's engine that forced him to stop.)
• (A specific failure identified by a professional.)

Advanced Usage

• "to experience engine-trouble": to encounter a problem with the engine.

  • The pilot reported experiencing engine-trouble at 10,000 feet. (The pilot informed the control tower of a mechanical issue.)

• "to have engine-trouble": to suffer from an engine malfunction.

  • The old car often has engine-trouble in cold weather. (The vehicle's engine frequently fails during winter.)

Variants and Related Words

• Engine (n): the machine that provides power to a vehicle.

  • The engine roared to life when he turned the key. (The power source started.)

• Trouble (n): a problem or difficulty.

  • He is having trouble starting the car. (Difficulty in initiating the engine.)

Synonyms

• Mechanical failure: a breakdown of a machine's parts.
• Engine failure: a specific type of malfunction where the engine stops working.
• Breakdown: a sudden loss of function in a vehicle or machine.

Related Idioms

• "have engine-trouble": to face a mechanical problem (used literally or figuratively).
  • The project had engine-trouble from the start — nothing worked as planned. (Figurative: the project encountered serious difficulties early on.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Break down: to stop functioning due to mechanical failure.

  • The car broke down on the highway because of engine-trouble. (The vehicle ceased to operate.)

• Conk out: (informal) to fail suddenly, especially an engine.

  • The engine conked out in the middle of the desert. (The engine stopped abruptly.)