borrow trouble
To worry about future events not in one's control and that may not come to pass.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't borrow trouble by worrying about things that haven't happened yet.”
“You are already stressed about next year's budget, but there is no point in borrowing trouble before the meeting even starts.”
“Instead of borrowing trouble by imagining every possible failure, she chose to focus her energy on the tasks she could actually control today.”
- 01
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 02
borrowed time
A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.
- 03
bridge over troubled waters
Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.
- 04
fish in troubled waters
To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.
- 05
pour oil on troubled waters
To calm, appease or quiet a person or situation.
- 06
teething trouble
Synonym of teething troubles.
- 07
teething troubles
Problems that are to be expected with any new and untried product, system, or venture.
- 08
trouble at mill
Problems outside the household, especially in the workplace.
Last updated August 10, 2026