lidiar con
deal with
Definition & meaning
Lidiar con means to deal with, cope with, or contend with a person, problem, or difficult situation. It can suggest that the situation is challenging or requires effort.
Depending on context, it can also mean to fight or wrestle with something. Literally, lidiar is associated with handling or fighting a bull.
- Lidiar con el estrés — to cope with stress
- Lidiar con un problema — to deal with a problem
- Lidiar con clientes difíciles — to deal with difficult customers
Grammar & Word origin
Lidiar is a regular -ar verb. In this expression, it is followed by the preposition con (“with”), then a noun or pronoun: lidiar con algo (“deal with something”) or lidiar con alguien (“deal with someone”).
The verb is historically connected to Latin litigare, meaning “to dispute” or “contend.” Its sense of fighting or handling a bull also helps explain its modern figurative use for managing difficulties.
Synonyms & antonyms
Possible synonyms include:
- Afrontar — to face or confront a difficulty; emphasizes facing it directly.
- Enfrentarse a — to confront or stand up to something; often sounds more direct or adversarial.
- Manejar — to manage or handle something; often suggests practical control.
- Tratar con — to deal or interact with someone or something; can be more neutral and does not always imply difficulty.
There is no exact antonym. Evitar [?](vocabuo://word/evitar] (“avoid”) can contrast with lidiar con because it means choosing not to confront or handle the matter.
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Examples
Es difícil lidiar con tantos problemas.other
It is difficult to deal with so many problems.
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