“Don’t Borrow Trouble” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this english expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Understand the meaning of this idiom, learn where it came from, and see some example sentences to help you use it in daily conversation.
Meaning of the Idiom
“Don’t borrow trouble” means not to worry about problems that haven’t happened yet. It advises people to avoid unnecessary stress or anxiety about things that may never occur.
Origin of the Idiom
This idiom comes from the idea that “borrowing” trouble is like taking on extra problems that don’t belong to you. It has been used in literature and everyday speech for centuries as a reminder to stay calm and focus on present issues instead of future worries.
Example Sentences
1. I know you’re worried about the test results, but don’t borrow trouble. Wait until you have all the information.
2. Look, I get that the new project seems risky, but don’t borrow trouble before it even starts.
3. You’re stressing about the weather for the wedding next month? Don’t borrow trouble — forecasts change all the time.
4. I know you’re anxious about what your boss will say, but don’t borrow trouble. Let the meeting happen first.
5. Don’t borrow trouble by thinking of everything that could go wrong. Focus on what you can control today.
How to Use ‘ Don’t Borrow Trouble’ in Everyday Conversations
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “don’t borrow trouble,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Emma and Lily are discussing Lily’s upcoming presentation at work.
Emma: You’ve been stressing a lot about this presentation. What’s on your mind?
Lily: I’m worried I’ll mess up or forget something important in front of everyone.
Emma: Don’t borrow trouble. You’ve prepared well, and everything will be fine.
Lily: I guess you’re right. I’m overthinking things.
Emma: Exactly. Focus on what you can control instead of stressing over what might go wrong.
Conversation 2:
Mark and Jake are chatting about Jake’s new business venture.
Mark: You’ve been so worried about every little detail of your startup. What’s going on?
Jake: I’m just scared that something might go wrong. What if I fail?
Mark: Don’t borrow trouble. Focus on building your business step by step instead of fearing the worst.
Jake: You’re right. Worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet won’t help.
Mark: Exactly. Deal with challenges as they come, instead of creating unnecessary stress for yourself now.
Similar Idioms
1. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: This idiom advises avoiding interference in a situation that could cause trouble or complications.
Example: I know you’re curious about their argument, but it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.
2. Cross That Bridge When You Come to It
Meaning: This phrase suggests dealing with a problem only when it actually occurs, rather than worrying about it in advance.
Example: We don’t need to worry about job cuts until they’re announced—let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.
Idioms Starting From Letter D
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter D. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘D’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the D-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter D.
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