Situation

handle situation

John’s calm approach prevented a nasty argument from developing during the meeting. You have to admire the way he handled the situation.

comment on situation

It would be unwise to comment on the situation in Kashmir without knowing all the facts.

depend on situation

Would you come to my aid if somebody attacked me?

>Well, it would depend on the situation.

misunderstand situation

I thought the man you were with was your husband. I didn’t realise he was your brother. I’m so sorry. I totally misunderstood the situation.

improve situation

The refugees have no fresh water or sanitation. There’s little anyone can do to improve the situation.

review situation

Before we throw any more money at the problem, I think we should review the situation and see what worked and what didn’t.

impossible situation

We’re trying to buy a house, but everywhere is too expensive for us. We’re in an impossible situation.

delicate situation

You’ll need to handle this very sensitively. It’s a very delicate situation.

current situation

We can’t allow the current situation to go on any longer. We need a change.

desperate situation

The news report from the Sudan showed the desperate situation people are in. they have no food, very little water and no medical supplies.

difficult situation

I think she coped admirably with a very difficult situation. It was a real ‘can of worms’.

catch-22 situation

I can’t get the job because I don’t have the right experience and I can’t get the experience until I get a job. It’s a catch-22 situation.

ideal situation

The house we want to buy is in an ideal situation with wonderful views of the mountains.

volatile situation

The political situation is very volatile – the army could start a coup at any time.

situation calls for

The situation calls for prompt action. We must do something quickly.

situation turn

Let’s get out of here. The situation could turn nasty at any moment.

situation deteriorate

The situation is deteriorating day by day. Soon, there will be no food, water or medical supplies left.

situation continue

This situation can’t continue. I simply won’t allow it to go on any longer.

situation return

Three days after the riots the situation has returned to normal.

situation arise

I don’t have the time to think about it now, I’ll worry about it when the situation arises.

gravity of situation

I don’t think you fully realise the gravity of the situation. We could all lose our jobs.

advantage of situation

Our school has been closed for repairs, so we are taking full advantage of the situation and going on a short holiday.

side of situation

I’m glad you can see the funny side of the situation. Not many people would.

facts of situation

It’s important that we don’t let our prejudices blind us to the facts of the situation.

handling of situation

Her handling of the situation was masterly. She dealt with the problem very professionally.

misunderstanding of situation

His inappropriate reaction was obviously based on a complete misunderstanding of the situation.

 

Notes

• Note the following expressions:

I’m in a no-win situation. Whatever I do will be bad.

• Note this question:

What would you have done in my situation?

• We talk about the economic / political / social situation.