# what's the matter

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whats-the-matter
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

What is wrong? What's the problem?

## Examples

- You look sad — what's the matter?
- The teacher noticed the student crying and asked gently, "What's the matter?"
- Seeing her friend standing motionless in the doorway, pale and trembling, she rushed over and whispered, "What's the matter?"

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.